At a Glance:
- Over a million people are expected at Arsenal’s parade next week.
- Arne Slot has had his say on the Gunners’ title triumph.
- Mikel Merino is available for selection for Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace this weekend.
Arsenal are preparing to play their final Premier League match of the season before lifting the trophy for the first time in 22 years, in front of their away fans at Selhurst Park.
The Gunners were crowned champions on Tuesday night when Bournemouth held Manchester City to a draw on the south coast. This is the North Londoners’ first league title since 2004, and thus, excitement is building ahead of the trophy lift on Sunday in South London.
Before they enjoy these celebrations with a piece of silverware in their hands, they have to navigate their way past a Crystal Palace side who will have a firm eye on the Conference League final on Wednesday. With that said, here is the latest Arsenal news today, including updates on the parade, Arne Slot and Mikel Merino.
The Arsenal. Your Premier League champions. pic.twitter.com/gNnfzesrhP
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 19, 2026
Police expect over a million Arsenal fans at trophy parade
22 years without a league title has led to an outpouring of emotion from Arsenal fans, and this is set to be reflected in the club’s trophy parade next Sunday. Mikel Arteta, his players and his background staff will tour around the Islington area, flaunting their silverware as Gunners supporters party down below them.
According to Now Arsenal, police are expecting over one million Arsenal fans to congregate around the streets of N5 next weekend. If this figure is hit, it will be the largest parade ever held in London.
🚨The police are estimating that there will be over 1 million Arsenal fans lining the streets of Islington for the Gunners parade next weekend.
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) May 22, 2026
It will be the largest parade ever held in London if the estimated numbers are correct. pic.twitter.com/e0jfy2cumY
The seismic nature of this event clearly showcases Arsenal’s popularity in not just London, but all over the world, with fans expected to fly in from various locations across the globe to join in with the celebrations.
Arne Slot on Arsenal winning the title
While Arsenal bask in the glory of winning the title, not everyone is overly complimentary of the way Arteta’s team managed this feat. The Gunners have consistently faced criticism for their pragmatic style of play and reliance on set-piece goals, and Arne Slot subtly brought this up when asked about Arteta’s title triumph.
Speaking to the media on Friday morning, the Dutch manager congratulated Arsenal, before somewhat dismissing the nature of their title win by patronising their set-piece success.
“Let me congratulate Arsenal on winning the league,” he said.
“Winning it here in England is never easy, and they have done a tremendous job. 40% of their goals have come from set-pieces. Football has changed and evolved.”
Mikel Merino available for Crystal Palace match
The Palace game will be something of an afterthought for fans and many of Arteta’s players, given the trophy lift and the Champions League final follow it, but the Spanish boss still needs to field a competitive team against the Eagles.
Fortunately for Arteta, he now has another option at his disposal, which he will certainly look to use at Selhurst Park. HandofArsenal revealed on Friday that Mikel Merino is finally back from injury and is ready to play on Sunday.
🚨 Mikel Merino is fit and ready to be selected against Crystal Palace. https://t.co/m8wBAW4P03
— HandofArsenal (@HandofArsenal) May 22, 2026
The Euro 2024 winner has been unavailable since January after sustaining a serious foot injury. He’ll hope to be granted a short cameo at Selhurst Park, to put himself in contention to feature off the bench in Budapest.
