THE BUDAPEST BARRIER: Shearer Tips Arsenal for Final but Warns Only One Team Can Stop Them
By 247sportcity | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
LONDON – Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has thrown his weight behind Arsenal to reach this year’s Champions League showpiece in Budapest, but he believes their dream of a first European crown will be thwarted by a familiar powerhouse.
Despite the Gunners’ record-breaking form, Shearer insists that reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain remain the only side capable of halting the Mikel Arteta juggernaut.
The San Siro Statement
Shearer’s verdict, delivered via Amazon Prime, came shortly before Arsenal dismantled Inter Milan 3-1 at the San Siro on Tuesday night.1 That victory—powered by a Gabriel Jesus brace—was a historic milestone for the North London club:
- Seven for Seven: Arsenal have maintained a flawless 100% record in the league phase, winning all seven matches.2
- Top-Two Guarantee: This perfect run ensures the Gunners a top-two finish, granting them the crucial advantage of hosting the second leg of every knockout tie at the Emirates Stadium.
- Squad Depth: Shearer noted that Arteta’s ability to rotate the squad while maintaining an “imperious” level of play makes them one of the most dangerous units in the world.
[Table: Champions League Outlook — Shearer’s Top Contenders]
| Team | Status | Shearer’s Verdict |
| Arsenal | League Phase Leaders | “High chance of being in the final” |
| PSG | Reigning Champions | “I’m just going to edge it with PSG” |
| Inter Milan | Last Season’s Runners-up | Outclassed by Arsenal 3-1 |
The PSG “Edge”
While Shearer praised the “confidence and belief” radiating from the Emirates, he pointed to PSG’s experience as the deciding factor. Having won the trophy last year—and boasting a squad stacked with world-class match-winners—the French giants are still the “mob” to beat in the legend’s eyes.
“I just think because of what PSG did last year, the players that they have, I’m just going to edge it with PSG. But Arsenal won’t be far away.” — Alan Shearer
A Season of Destiny?
Shearer’s prediction comes as Arsenal look to rewrite their history books across all fronts. The 2025/26 campaign is shaping up to be potentially the greatest in the club’s history:
- Premier League: They currently hold a commanding seven-point lead over a struggling Manchester City.
- League Cup: Arsenal are heavy favorites to reach the final after a 3-2 first-leg away win at Chelsea.3
- FA Cup: The Gunners continue to advance comfortably, keeping the dream of a historic “quadruple” alive.
As the road to Budapest heats up, the question is no longer if Arsenal can compete, but rather if anyone other than the holders can stop them.