Transfer fees, betting odds and the 2025/26 Champions League final

The 2025/26 Champions League final in Budapest on May 30 features two clubs that have not been afraid to splash the cash in the transfer market in recent years.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain head into the game with a squad packed with top-class signings and homegrown players.

PSG are the 13/20 betting favourites with the research below from BestBettingBonuses.co.uk – where you can also use bwin promo codes to bet on the Champions League – highlighting just how effective their transfer spend has been in winning an elite squad.

While opponents Arsenal also have a star-studded squad, their previous record in European competitions leaves a lot to be desired. They are 6/5 shots to lift the trophy.

They have previously reached three continental finals and come up short on each occasion. Many bettors believe they will suffer the same fate against PSG.

With that in mind, read on as we take a closer look at each club to assess the influence the market valuations of their squads could have on the outcome.

Paris Saint Germain

PSG’s squad is currently valued at €1.21 billion. Their net spend on transfer fees in the past five years is €567.07 million. The current market value of their squad is as follows:

PSG’s investment in their squad has helped them become the dominant force in Ligue 1. They have also started to reap the rewards for their ambition in Europe.

Intriguingly, their success in last season’s Champions League came after they parted company with all-time record goalscorer Kylian Mbappe.

While the Frenchman has continued to score goals for fun, his move to La Liga giants Real Madrid has not delivered the desired results.

By contrast, PSG have flourished since he left. Manager Luis Enrique has moulded a squad devoid of egos and which is willing to work hard in every game.

Their run to last year’s final was built on a combination of swashbuckling football and defensive solidity, which ultimately proved too hot for any other team to handle.

PSG will fancy their chances of following up against a club which has also spent heavily, but which is yet to garner a return on their investment.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s squad is currently valued at €1.23bn. Their net spend on transfer fees in the past five years is €769.30m. The current market value of their squad is as follows:

Many football experts believe that richer clubs win more trophies in Europe, and there is undoubtedly plenty of evidence to back up that notion.

However, Arsenal buck that trend. They have assembled a squad worth €1.23bn, yet have failed to win a trophy since claiming the FA Cup in 2019/20.

Their massive net spend in the transfer market puts PSG firmly in the shade, but the financial outlay has not paid dividends on the pitch.

Question marks still hang over several of their big-money purchases including Declan Rice, who was signed to turn Arsenal into serial winners.

Rice has come up short again this season, failing to make his mark as Arsenal missed out on winning the League Cup and FA Cup.

The England midfielder is now set for a pivotal two-week period in his career. If the Gunners finish the season empty-handed, serious questions will be asked.

The final word

PSG have demonstrated that investing in players can increase the chances of a club winning major silverware. Arsenal are hoping that the same strategy will help them.

The Gunners are on the cusp of one of the most memorable seasons in their history – one which most other clubs can only dream about.

Having generated a greater net spend than PSG over the past five years, Arsenal desperately need to put some silverware in their trophy cabinet.

However, while they look a good bet to win the Premier League, PSG’s greater quality could scupper their hopes of claiming the Champions League title.