‘We want to win’ – Saka lays down marker for Arsenal after Carabao Cup win

Bukayo Saka says that Arsenal are fully committed to pursuing 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 period approaches.

After ending a six-year absence from the Champions League last season, Arsenal made it to the quarter-finals, and Saka is eager to push the team even further this term.

“We’re not scared,” Saka told BBC Sport.

“The last two seasons we’ve competed for the league and come very close. We’re also back in the Champions League – we have 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.”

Booking our semi-final spot 🎟️

Check out the highlights from tonight’s 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace 📺 pic.twitter.com/U2gc84DuwB

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 19, 2024

Arsenal last claimed a major trophy in 2020, lifting the FA Cup.

Saka, who was part of that victorious squad, has since endured several near-misses, including finishing second 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 get it over the line this season and try to lift the trophy, for sure.

“You work the whole season and you’re so close – you’ve literally got one hand on the trophy, you’re in the final, or you’re right 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 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 take the next step and win.”

At just 23, Saka has become indispensable 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 isn’t his focus.

“I feel like I know what I want to achieve in the game, and people are always going to talk regardless of whether I do something or whether I don’t do it,” he explained.

“Even if we win, people will still talk. So my mentality is just, ‘Do your thing and live your life,’ because people are going to talk regardless.”