Raya vows Arsenal will chase Champions League and Premier League title defence after 22-year wait ends
David Raya has declared Arsenal want to become serial winners after claiming their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, with the goalkeeper naming the Champions League and domestic cups as targets for the campaign ahead.
David Raya has urged Arsenal to build a dynasty rather than settle for a single title, insisting the club are targeting the Champions League, domestic cups, and a Premier League defence after ending a 22-year wait for the top-flight crown last season.
The Spain international goalkeeper, 30, said: “We want to become winners, not just a one-off. I think we’re going to have to attack the league again, attack the cups, attack the Champions League because we want more. We want all the trophies, and we are confident that we can beat anybody at any time, so we just have to be focused on ourselves and do better than last season.”
Arsenal’s title triumph last season was accompanied by a run to the Champions League final, where they were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain. Raya said the league win was transformative for the club’s belief. “The season was incredible, collectively and individually. I think we deserved to be there and be champions. Every season is very, very long with ups and downs, but I think we dealt with everything that was thrown at us and it was an incredible season to lift the trophy.”
Manager Mikel Arteta has already spoken publicly about his players’ hunger for further success, and Raya confirmed that message has taken hold in the dressing room. The goalkeeper was named in the Professional Footballers’ Association Team of the Year alongside teammates Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Gabriel — a collective recognition that underlined Arsenal’s dominance across the campaign.
The club have moved quickly in the transfer window to reinforce their squad. Bruno Guimarães has arrived from Newcastle for £75 million, while Ezri Konsa has joined from Aston Villa in a deal worth £55 million to bolster what was already the division’s meanest defence. Christos Tzolis has also been brought in.
Raya pointed to the defensive solidity as a foundation for further progress. “I think we defensively — not just the defence but all the players from the striker to me — have a good defensive willingness. Ezri coming, adding to the squad, is going to add a lot of competition,” he said.
Retaining the Premier League title is a feat only a handful of clubs have managed in the modern era, but Raya’s comments suggest Arsenal under Arteta are approaching the challenge with genuine conviction rather than caution.
Read also
-
Football ·Richarlison accuses Senator Flavio Bolsonaro of seizing his £1.5m private island without payment
-
Football ·Mourinho demands clear footage before responding to Sevilla's complaint over Güler
-
Football ·Maddison ends 536-day absence with wonder goal as Spurs climb off the bottom
-
Football ·Named world's best referee, Turpin pays tribute to 25,000 French referees
-
Football ·Man United fans face travel chaos as Crystal Palace clash handed rare 7pm Sunday kick-off
-
Football ·Ronaldo handed 30-day suspension and fine by Portugal for walking out of camp
Argentina U17 W