‘We want to win’ – Saka has put Arsenal’s trophy after winning the Carabao Cup

Bukayo Saka says Arsenal are fully committed to chasing the Premier League and Champions League this season.

The Gunners have missed the chance to win the Premier League in recent years, finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in the last two campaigns.

Currently sitting third in the table, six points behind the leaders, Arsenal remain firmly in the title race as the holiday season approaches.

After ending a six-year absence from the Champions League, Arsenal reached the quarter-finals, and Saka is determined to push the team this far.

“We are not afraid,” Saka told BBC Sport.

“The last two seasons we have been competing in the league and we have come very close. We are back in the Champions League – we have experience there – so we feel we are ready to compete in any competition.

“We really want to step up and try to win.”

Booking our semi final place 🎟️

Check out tonight’s 3-2 win against Crystal Palace 📺 pic.twitter.com/U2gc84DuwB

– Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 19, 2024

Arsenal won a major trophy for the last time in 2020, lifting the FA Cup.

Saka, who was part of that winning team, endured a series of near misses, including finishing second in the Premier League twice and losing in two European Championships.

Reflecting on that disappointment, Saka said: “It’s really bad, I’m telling the truth. That’s extra fuel for me and extra motivation. I want to go over the line this season and try to lift the trophy, that’s for sure.

“You work all season and you’re so close – you have one hand in the competition, you’re in the final, or you’re there to win the Premier League or whatever trophy you’re competing for – and then you don’t win. It’s like a year’s work and there’s nothing to show for it.

“I know you can be proud of the season and the evolution and development, but that’s why more than ever we want to do something and win.”

At just 23 years old, Saka has become a key player for both Arsenal and the England national team.

Despite being compared to legends like Cristiano Ronaldo – one of his childhood idols – Saka insists that external recognition is not his goal.

“I feel like I know what I want to achieve in this game, and people are always talking about whether I’m going to do something or not,” he said.

“Even if we win, people will still talk. So my philosophy is, ‘Do what you want and live your life,’ because people are going to talk regardless.