Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has vehemently denied rumors linking him to a potential move to Barcelona at the end of the season. Reports in Spain had claimed that the 41-year-old coach was being considered as a successor to Xavi at Spotify Camp Nou. However, Arteta dismissed these reports as “totally fake news” and expressed his frustration with the spread of such misinformation.
Multiple sources have confirmed to ESPN that Arteta remains fully committed to Arsenal and has no intention of leaving the club. In a news conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest, Arteta addressed the rumors and stated, “That’s totally fake news. What you read yesterday is … I don’t know where it is coming from, and it is totally untrue. I am really upset about it.”
Arteta expressed his disbelief and disappointment at the rumors, emphasizing the lack of credible sources. He stated, “I could not believe [it]. I don’t know where it is coming from and it has no source. It has got nothing, and I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things to put it in the way it was put yesterday.”
The Arsenal manager further asserted his contentment with the current situation at the club, emphasizing his commitment to the players, staff, and the journey ahead. He said, “I am in the right place. I am with the right people. I feel really good about it. As I said many times, I am invested in a beautiful journey with this football club…”
Arteta emphasized his loyalty and gratitude towards Arsenal, expressing his contentment with his current position. He stated, “I am really cautious when I talk publicly about my personal things, and when someone puts a statement saying something I said or did, it is upsetting. I have always been really straight and always said the complete opposite; how happy I am, how grateful I am and how much I enjoy where I am now, that is why I am upset.”
Despite not yet opening talks for a contract extension, Arsenal is reportedly relaxed about Arteta’s commitment to the club. Arteta’s contract with Arsenal expires in the summer of 2025. He has also been mentioned as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, due to his previous experience as a coach under Guardiola.
When questioned about the possibility of managing another club in England, Arteta replied, “Today, no. But I don’t know. I played for two great clubs in this country. I moved around in different things. I am extremely young and I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
In other news, Arsenal will continue to be without midfielder Thomas Partey as he recovers from a hamstring injury. However, there is hope for the return of Declan Rice and Gabriel, who have been nursing slight muscle strains sustained in Arsenal’s previous game against Crystal Palace.
Overall, Arteta’s dismissal of the Barcelona rumors and his reaffirmation of his commitment to Arsenal should reassure fans of his loyalty to the club. While the future remains uncertain, Arteta’s focus remains on the current journey with Arsenal and the challenges that lie ahead.