Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described the Gunners' journey to the Champions League semi-finals as a "beautiful story," but he insists that the team aims for much more as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the first leg of their semi-final showdown. Scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta emphasized the significance of the match, calling it "one of the biggest games" the venue has ever hosted and appealing to fans to create an electrifying atmosphere.

The Gunners have made an impressive run in the Champions League, having defeated reigning champions Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, and they previously overcame PSG 2-0 during the league phase in October. However, despite this success, Arteta is acutely aware of the club's history, noting that they have never won the prestigious tournament and last reached the semi-finals in 2009, where they were eliminated by Manchester United.

Arteta expressed the weight of expectation and history, recognizing the long-standing commitment of individuals associated with the club who have yet to experience this level of success. "We are making history," he said. "It's a beautiful story right now—but we want much more."

In addition to the historical context, Arteta highlighted the challenges posed by injuries to key players, including Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White, which have hindered their Premier League performance. Despite winning only one of their last four league matches, their European success has showcased their resilience, winning six of their eight group-stage games.

With the return of Mikel Merino and Ben White to training, Arteta is optimistic about bolstering his squad ahead of the crucial encounter. He urged the Arsenal fans to replicate the fantastic atmosphere witnessed during their 3-0 victory against Real Madrid, encouraging them to be fully engaged in the match. "You want to do something special? That place has to be something special," he noted.

PSG, under the management of Luis Enrique, will pose a formidable challenge as they aim for their first Champions League title, having previously faced setbacks in the competition. Enrique acknowledged that his team has improved since their earlier defeat to Arsenal and expressed confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level.

As both teams prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating semi-final, the anticipation continues to build, with Arsenal determined to write a new chapter in their Champions League history.