PSG president recalls Luis Enrique's bold prediction before they faced Arsenal in Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) boss Luis Enrique was confident of winning the Champions League title before the semifinal against Arsenal, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed. The Parisians secured a 1-0 win over the Gunners in the first leg of the semifinal at the Emirates, thanks to an Ousmane Dembele strike.
The north London side traveled to the Parc des Princes the following week, hoping to turn over the deficit and secure passage to the final for the first time in almost two decades. However, Arsenal succumbed to a 2-1 defeat in the away leg and exited the tournament.
Speaking to Alkass TV Sports, Al-Khelaifi revealed that Luis Enrique had predicted PSG's Champions League triumph ahead of the tie.
"Luis Enrique told me before the Arsenal match that we would win the Champions League," said Al-Khelaifi.
The Parisians faced Inter Milan on May 31 at the Allianz Arena. The Nerazzurri arrived at the game in inspired form, but were undone by the Ligue 1 champions.
PSG ran riot on the night, securing a record 5-0 win over the Serie A giants in the final. In the process, they won the coveted Champions League for the first time in their history and also achieved the treble.
Are Arsenal interested in PSG star Bradley Barcola?
Arsenal have set their sights on PSG forward Bradley Barcola, according to Caught Offside. The report adds that Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the player ahead of the summer.
Barcola has been in top form for the Parisians this season, registering 21 goals and 19 assists from 58 games across competitions. The Premier League trio have scouted him in the past few months and are pleased with his efforts.
Pep Guardiola supposedly wants the 22-year-old as a possible replacement for Jack Grealish, whose time at the Etihad could be coming to an end. Meanwhile, the Gunners are also eyeing attacking reinforcements this summer and have Barcola on their agenda.
However, PSG consider the player an integral part of their plans and will not entertain an exit at the moment. The player is under contract until 2028, the Parisians reportedly value him at €100-120m.
The Ligue 1 champions are also planning to tie Barcola down to a new deal until 2030. That could prompt Arsenal to turn to alternate targets, with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams a possible option.
