Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu has backed the Gunners to complete a historic season by defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final, insisting Mikel Arteta’s side now have the belief and quality to go all the way.
The former Nigeria captain, who remains one of Arsenal’s most celebrated figures, also reflected on the club’s long-awaited Premier League triumph, Arteta’s transformation of the team, and whether the current squad can build a lasting dynasty at the Emirates.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Flashscore, Kanu shared his thoughts ahead of Arsenal’s showdown with reigning European champions PSG.
Arsenal icon Nwankwo Kanu speaks exclusively to Flashscore about the Gunners’ Premier League triumph, Champions League final against PSG and Mikel Arteta’s growing legacy.
Kanu on Arsenal ending 22-year title wait
As a former Premier League winner with Arsenal, Kanu admitted seeing the Gunners finally reclaim domestic glory after more than two decades meant a great deal.
“It means a lot because Arsenal is a massive club. People always believed and expected us to compete for major trophies again,” Kanu said.
“We came very close in recent years after finishing second twice, but now we have finally done it.
“All the legends are proud and happy for the players, the manager and everybody connected to the club because they deserve enormous credit.
“As former players and supporters, we are delighted because we all love Arsenal and want to see the club succeed. Now nobody can say Arsenal don’t win trophies anymore.”
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When did Kanu believe Arsenal would become champions?
Kanu revealed he became convinced Arsenal would win the title midway through the season due to the squad’s balance and defensive solidity.
“After the first phase of the season, I knew we were going to win the Premier League,” he explained.
“We had the strongest defence in the league, but beyond that, we also had quality players in the starting team and on the bench.
“When you have strength in every position and proper competition across the squad, it gives you a huge advantage over the course of a season. That balance convinced me we had everything needed to become champions.”
Can Arsenal defend the Premier League title?
The former Super Eagles captain believes Arsenal now have the confidence and mentality to challenge again next season.
“Yes, because they have already proven they can do it,” he said.
“The pressure is different now because they have tested themselves and succeeded.
“At this stage, they need to relax, trust their quality and continue building momentum. With the experience of winning behind them, they can keep that mentality and go for even more trophies.”
Kanu predicts Champions League final winner
Attention now turns to Europe, where Arsenal are preparing to face PSG in the Champions League final.
Asked where the match could be decided, Kanu confidently backed the Gunners to dethrone the defending champions.
“I told my friends something similar happened in the league,” he said.
“Last season, Manchester City won the title while we struggled, but this year things changed and Arsenal came out on top.
“PSG won the Champions League last season, but I genuinely believe this time it will be Arsenal’s turn to go all the way and lift the trophy. It would make this a truly historic season.”
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What has changed since Arsenal lost to PSG?
Arsenal were beaten by PSG in last season’s semi-finals, but Kanu believes the circumstances are completely different now.
“Last season is different from this one,” he said.
“If you look at our Champions League campaign, we haven’t lost a single game, and that gives the team confidence.
“Some people may see it as revenge, but for Arsenal it is more about proving ourselves and finishing the job.
“We really need it, and with the mentality this team has now, I believe they can definitely get it done.”
Kanu on Viktor Gyokeres
Kanu also praised Viktor Gyokeres, describing the striker as one of the elite forwards in the game today.
“He is definitely among the top strikers playing right now,” he said.
“There are other good forwards too, and strong competition always pushes players to improve.
“But if you ask me, as a striker, he is certainly one of the best in the game today.”
Arsene Wenger. Photocredit: Getty Images
Arteta vs Wenger? Kanu gives verdict
Kanu stopped short of directly comparing Mikel Arteta with Arsene Wenger but praised the Spaniard’s work at Arsenal.
“Arteta has done very well, but the Professor is still the Professor,” Kanu said.
“Arteta played under Wenger, so he understands his influence and legacy.
“People often judge managers only through trophies, but I think Arteta should also be judged by the team he has built and the standards he has maintained.
“They are different managers working in different eras, so there is no real need to compare them.”
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. Photocredit. Getty Images
Can Arteta become a Wenger-like legend?
On whether Arteta could one day establish himself alongside Wenger in Arsenal folklore, Kanu believes the potential is there.
“A lot of records are there to be broken, so why not?” he said.
“If he keeps progressing and improving, there is no reason he cannot get there.
“It comes down to consistency. If he maintains this level, then he definitely has a chance to build that kind of legacy at Arsenal.”
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The Champions League final in Budapest will be a fascinating tactical battle as Arsenal chase a first-ever European crown while PSG seek to cement their growing dominance on the continental stage with second title in a row.
