Arsenal confident for Champions League final after Premier League win, says Raya

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya believes winning the English Premier League has significantly boosted the team's confidence heading into the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners are set to face the reigning champions in Budapest on May 30, 2026.

“

It was very important. Since I came here, even before, that was the main objective. This club is here to compete and fight for the biggest titles, and the Premier League is one of them. We achieved it, and that will give us a big boost heading into the Champions League final.

Raya described the league title, Arsenal's first in 22 years, as a mandatory achievement that provides a major lift for the Champions League final. "It was very important. Since I came here, even before, that was the main objective," Raya told Diario AS. "This club is here to compete and fight for the biggest titles, and the Premier League is one of them. We achieved it, and that will give us a big boost heading into the Champions League final."

The Spanish goalkeeper, who secured his third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove with 19 clean sheets this season, feels he is in excellent form. However, he emphasized that the team's defensive solidity, which led to the league title, was a collective effort. "We played many games giving very few chances to the opponent, and that helped us win the championship, which was the main objective," he stated.

“

We played many games giving very few chances to the opponent, and that helped us win the championship, which was the main objective.

Raya also lauded manager Mikel Arteta for his impact since taking over in December 2019. "I think he has done a tremendous job," Raya said. "The way he took over the club when the situation was not good, then brought it back to the highest level, especially by winning the Premier League that we wanted so much, shows the quality and character he has. He never gives up, and that is a message he always instills in us."

“

I think he has done a tremendous job. The way he took over the club when the situation was not good, then brought it back to the highest level, especially by winning the Premier League that we wanted so much, shows the quality and character he has. He never gives up, and that is a message he always instills in us.

Looking ahead to the final against PSG, now managed by Luis Enrique, Raya expressed respect for his compatriot. "I know him well. He gave me my debut for the national team and I have a lot of respect for him. We know he is a great coach and a very good person." Despite PSG's strengths, Raya remains optimistic about Arsenal's tactical approach, noting the team's effectiveness in set-piece situations as a potential advantage.

“

I know him well. He gave me my debut for the national team and I have a lot of respect for him. We know he is a great coach and a very good person.