Arteta denies Barcelona links

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has debunked the rumors that he’s exiting the Emirates stadium or has been approached by FC Barcelona to replace Xavi Hernandez, who has revealed that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Xavi made the announcement on Saturday, just 24 hours after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stated his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the current campaign. While no replacement has been announced for the two outgoing managers, Arteta has been linked to the Spanish Club.

However, the Barcelona academy product who played for Everton and Arsenal before becoming a manager, first as an assistant to Pep Guardiola before becoming the boss at Emirates Stadium, has refuted those claims.

“Who, me? No. That is totally fake news. What you read, I’m really upset about it. I couldn’t believe it. It has no sources. I’m in the right place with the right people and feel really good about it. I’m embracing a beautiful journey with this club, and there’s still a lot to do. I have a strong relationship with the board. Things come in a natural way. When the time is right, we will have those [contract] discussions and find the best way to deal with them. There is a lot to do here, and we all share that ambition. We want more, we aren’t satisfied, and the club wants another push to go to another level. We have everyone on board to achieve it.” Arteta said.

Arteta’s Arsenal contract runs until the summer of 2025, and he still has a lot to achieve with the Gunners, who are still in the UEFA Champions League and as well in the race for the Premier League title.

Arsenal will travel to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday before facing Liverpool on Sunday, February 4, all in the Premier League.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu