Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on Monday vehemently denied reports linking him with succeeding Xavi as Barcelona manager. Xavi on Saturday announced that he would be stepping down from the high-profile job at the end of the season.
Arteta, who is a La Masia product, was linked to joining his boyhood club. However, Arteta hit back at those reports, saying the rumours are ‘totally untrue’.
“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,” Arteta, whose Arsenal contract runs until the summer of 2025, said.
“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 it,” Arteta added.
Arteta took over the reigns of Arsenal in 2019, and have since been instrumental in Arsenal’s transformation.
Arsenal, who missed out narrowly on the Premier League title last season, sit at the third spot on the table this season, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool. The Gunners are also vying for a quarter-final spot in the UEFA Champions League and are due to play Porto in the round of 16 match later next month.
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