What Mikel Arteta did when PSG tried to poach from him Arsenal in 2023

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In total, five players have represented both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in the past, including the club’s current boss, Mikel Arteta.

The two sides meet in the Champions League on match day two with Arsenal hoping to secure three points, a win that would make their draw in Atalanta look like a good result.

Other than Arteta, David Luiz, Nicolas Anelka, Kaba Diawara and Lassana Diarra have also played for both teams.

PSG arrive at the Emirates Stadium without Kylian Mbappe, their star man finally departed for a new challenge at Real Madrid this season.

That being said, PSG will also be without Ousmane Dembele owing to a ‘heated argument’ he had with Luis Enrique after a domestic win on the weekend.

Regardless, given the rich talent at PSG’s disposal, the away side will still present a huge test for this Arsenal squad, who are still lacking experience at this level.

Mikel Arteta wants to go one better than Arsene Wenger at Arsenal

Although Arteta recently signed a new contract with Arsenal, there was a time back in 2023 when PSG explored a move to steal their former player from north London.

According to the Independent, PSG investigated whether Arteta would be interested in succeeding Christophe Galtier, who was in charge at the time.

READ MORE: Arsenal experts predict PSG clash with Kai Havertz tipped for a ‘key role’ at the Emirates

However, Arteta ‘almost immediately’ said no, even if there was a brief moment of consideration due to his Paris ties.

Arteta had just made Arsenal competitive at the top level once again when PSG’s interest arrived, a reason why he was never going to leave.

Arteta wants to go one better than Arsene Wenger at Arsenal by winning the Champions League, an honour which came so close for the Frenchman in 2006.

Mikel Merino ready to return against PSG

Ahead of facing PSG on Tuesday evening, Arsenal fans have been delighted with Mikel Merino’s return to training.

The Spaniard, who Arteta was incredibly keen to bring to N5 this summer, was pictured in full training, flying into tackles, after his unfortunate shoulder issue.

Merino will primarily play as a number eight for the Gunners on evidence of his minutes for Spain and Real Sociedad.

And perhaps that means that Declan Rice will return to life in the pivot, effectively replacing Thomas Partey.

Arsenal supporters were unhappy with Partey after the late-win against Leicester City, feeling as if the midfielder is now costing his side.