David Raya Issues Champions League Challenge as Arsenal Seeks to Build Lasting Success After Ending 22-Year Title Drought

David Raya, Arsenal's goalkeeper, has delivered a strong message to the club’s competitors, declaring their aim to create a long-standing dynasty at the top of European football. Following Arsenal's historic first Premier League title in 22 years, Raya says the team is now eager for even bigger trophies.

Arsenal's Vision for Sustained Success

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal is determined that their recent league victory is not a one-off but the start of a prolonged period of achievement. After two decades without a league crown, the club now shifts focus towards claiming supremacy in Europe.

The Gunners reached last season’s Champions League final but were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain. That loss has only intensified the squad's hunger to win their first-ever European Cup while defending their domestic title fiercely.

Raya on Arsenal's Trophy Ambitions

"We want to become winners, not just a one-off," the 30-year-old keeper said. "I think we’re going to have to attack the league again, attack the cups, attack the Champions League because we want more."

He expressed confidence in the team's strength and mentality: "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."

Defensive Strength Backed by Major Signings

Arsenal's remarkable campaign saw five players named in the PFA Team of the Year: Raya, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes. Raya described the season as "incredible, collectively and individually," and felt the title was well deserved after 22 years.

To keep up the momentum, Arsenal invested heavily in the transfer market. Bruno Guimaraes joined from Newcastle for £75 million plus Christos Tzolis, while Ezri Konsa arrived from Aston Villa in a £55 million deal to strengthen the defense.

"Ezri coming, adding to the squad, is going to add a lot of competitiveness inside the team, which is incredible and is really, really good for the whole squad," Raya commented.

Arsenal Starts Title Defense Strong

The Gunners have kicked off their title defense impressively, beating Coventry 3-0 and securing Raya’s first clean sheet of the new season. Having won his third straight Golden Glove with 19 shutouts last term, the Spanish keeper aims to continue this streak, joining an elite group alongside Pepe Reina, Joe Hart, and Ederson.

"It’s not just me. I’ve always said the same, it’s collective stuff. Obviously I’ve been part of it and it’s the third time consecutively, but we cannot stop there. We want to do one more and another one because that means that it’s easier to win games when you keep those clean sheets," Raya said.

As tough fixtures in both domestic and European competitions approach, Arteta’s refreshed squad must quickly integrate new signings like Guimaraes and Konsa to balance their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

• Premier League Match: Aston Villa vs Arsenal
• Date: 31 August 2026
• Time: 21:00