William Saliba believes Arsenal can win UEFA Champions League, jokes 'Gabriel is carrying me' ahead of PSV second leg

William Saliba believes Arsenal have the credentials to win the UEFA Champions League for the first time, heading into the last 16 second-leg tie against PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates. Wednesday night's match is effectively a formality, with Mikel Arteta's side holding a 7-1 aggregate lead following the first leg. Barring a miraculous PSV recovery, Arsenal face Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid next.

William Saliba keeps PSV’s Ismael Saibari in check during last week’s first-leg win in Eindhoven. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images/Reuters

William Saliba believes Arsenal have what it takes to win the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history this season. The Gunners previously reached the final in the 2006/06 campaign when Arsene Wenger's 10 men conceded a one-goal lead in a 2-1 loss to Barcelona in Saint-Denis.

Mikel Arteta’s side are all but assured of a quarter-final place in this season’s competition after a 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in their last 16 first-leg tie last week.The 23-year-old also spoke about Arsenal’s defensive record, and feels they have not been as solid as last season.

"We have conceded more goals in the Premier League, but have been better in the Champions League," he explained. "Last season we were a bit better. This season we are still good, and we believe we can improve a bit more.

"We are still strong at the back, but we can do better."