Bukayo Saka interview: We’re not scared of saying we want to win at Arsenal

Bukayo Saka says he and his Arsenal team-mates are “not scared” of saying they want to win the Premier League or Champions League this season.

The Gunners have finished runners-up to Manchester City in each of the past two domestic campaigns, and head into the festive period this year third in the table – six points off top spot.

They returned to the Champions League last season after a six-year absence, reaching the quarter-finals.

It is four years since Arsenal won a major trophy, and Saka is determined to help them end that run this season.

“The last two seasons we’ve competed for the league and come very close,” he told BBC Sport in an exclusive interview.

“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.”

Saka was part of the Arsenal squad that won the FA Cup in 2020 but has also experienced the disappointment of losing two European Championship finals, and twice finishing second in the Premier League.

“It’s horrible, I’ll be honest,” he said.

“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 that season, 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 evolution and development, but that’s why more than ever we want to take the next step and win.”