Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya believes winning the Premier League has armed the club with enormous confidence as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday in Budapest.

The Gunners, who finished as runners-up in the three previous seasons, clinched the league title for the first time in 22 years — and Raya insists capturing it was non-negotiable. The club has never lifted the Champions League trophy.

"It was essential; it's been the goal ever since I arrived here, and even before that. This club exists to compete and challenge for the top honours, and the Premier League was one of them. We've achieved it, and now it's going to give us a huge boost as we head into the Champions League final."

Raya, 30, made the remarks in an interview with Diario AS, as reported by ESPN.

Three Golden Gloves in a row

The Spain international also claimed the Premier League Golden Glove award for a third consecutive season, recording 19 clean sheets for the London club — a feat few goalkeepers have achieved.

"Personally, I think I'm in a really, really good phase. It's not just down to me personally; I think the clean sheets we've managed are down to the whole team. I'm absolutely delighted to have achieved this record of three consecutive Golden Gloves — something not many goalkeepers have managed."

Raya was keen to spread the credit, pointing to Arsenal's collective defensive discipline as the foundation for their title triumph. "There have been many matches in which we've conceded hardly any chances, and that's helped us win the championship, which was the main thing," he added.

Praise for Arteta's transformation

Raya also offered warm words for Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, who took charge at the club in December 2019 when the side were mired in mid-table mediocrity.

"I think he's done an incredible job. The way he took over the club when it wasn't at its best, and how he's brought it back to life and to the top — especially by winning the Premier League, which we all wanted so much, both us players and the fans — just goes to show the quality he possesses and the sort of person he is. He never gives up, and that's a message he's always instilled in us."

Arsenal now turn their full attention to Saturday's final against Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions, with the prospect of completing a historic double driving them forward.