Bukayo Saka says Arsenal are fully committed to chasing both the Premier League and Champions League titles this season.
The Gunners have narrowly missed out on Premier League glory 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 festive season approaches.
After ending a six-year absence from the Champions League last season, Arsenal reached the quarter-finals and Saka is keen to push the team even further this season.
“We are not afraid,” Saka told BBC Sport.
“For the last two seasons we have been fighting for the championship and we are very close. We’re also back in the Champions League – we’ve got some experience there now – so we feel we’re ready to compete for every trophy.
“We really want to take that next step and try to win something.”
Closing a place in the semi-final 🎟️
Watch the highlights from tonight’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace 📺 pic.twitter.com/U2gc84DuwB
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 19, 2024
Arsenal last won a major trophy in 2020, lifting the FA Cup.
Saka, who was part of that winning team, has since endured several near misses, including finishing runners-up in the Premier League twice and losing in two European Championship finals.
Reflecting on those disappointments, Saka said: “It’s horrible, I’ll be honest. It’s just that extra fuel for me and extra motivation. I want to overcome that this season and try to lift the trophy, for sure.
“You work all season and you’re so close – you’ve literally got one hand on the trophy, 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. It’s like the whole year’s work and there’s nothing to it.
“I know you can be proud of the season and the progression and development, but that’s why more than ever we want to take the next step and win.”
At just 23 years of age, Saka has become essential for both Arsenal and the England national team.
Despite being compared to legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo – one of his childhood idols – Saka insists external recognition is not his focus.
“I feel like I know what I want to achieve in the game and people will always talk whether I do something or not,” he explained.
“Even if we win, people will still talk. So my mindset is just, ‘Do your thing and live your life,’ because people will talk regardless.”
