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Arsenal urged to start Jurrien Timber vs Paris Saint-Germain

By on May 27, 2026

Former midfielder turned pundit Paul Merson has urged Mikel Arteta to start Jurrien Timber in Arsenal’s Champions League final encounter against Paris Saint-Germain this weekend.

After moving to the Emirates Stadium from Ajax Amsterdam in 2023, the 24-year-old initially struggled to make a significant impact during his debut campaign due to a serious knee injury.

However, the Dutchman showed glimpses of his qualities last term, making six goal contributions and keeping seven clean sheets in 40 appearances across all competitions.

Timber has taken his game to another level this season, scoring four goals and registering six assists in 41 matches in all tournaments. Moreover, he has helped his side win the Premier League title.

Having proven his worth in the English top-flight, Timber has secured his place in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands national team for this summer’s World Cup.

However, he has been out injured since March, while Ben White has also sustained a serious injury. As a result, Mikel Arteta has been without a natural right-back in recent matches.

Now, during a recent interview (via Metro), Merson states that Arteta has to start Timber in Arsenal’s Champions League final encounter against PSG, even if he isn’t fully fit.

Merson said:

“I think Jurrien Timber has to play. There’s talk that he will be fit. He’s got to play, even if he’s half-fit I would take a chance on him because he has to play in that game.”

Arsenal urged to start Timber vs PSG

Furthermore, the pundit claims that Arsenal have the chance to beat Les Parisiens this weekend if they take full advantage of their set-piece prowess, as Luis Enrique’s side aren’t a tall team.

Timber used to play as a centre-back at Ajax, but Arteta has moulded him into one of the best right-backs in the world. He plays on the right side of the defence for the Netherlands as well.

Meanwhile, after finishing second in the last three consecutive Premier League campaigns, Arsenal have finally managed to win the title under Arteta’s guidance this season.

The North London club have an opportunity to end the season on an even higher note by becoming European champions, with the Gunners yet to lift this trophy in their 140-year history.

It is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually manage to complete the historic double this weekend.