Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has now broken his silence on the rumours linking him with the Barcelona job.
In recent days a number of rumours have swirled around Mikel Arteta, as reports have suggested he is prepared to leave Arsenal at the end of the current campaign.
These stories has come to light in the wake of Xavi’s recent announcement that he will be stepping down from the managerial post at Barcelona at the end of this season. The president of the La Liga club is thought to have identified Arteta as his top candidate to take up Xavi’s post at the Camp Nou.
However, journalist Guillem Balague recently denied reports that Arteta has already made his mind up to leave the Emirates Stadium and accept the job in the Spanish top flight.
Now, Arteta has had his own say on the matter, and his response to the rumours was decisive.
Speaking in a press conference on Monday afternoon, the Spanish coach was questioned about the reports saying that he has decided to leave Arsenal. As quoted by the club’s official website, Arteta said, “it’s totally fake news. I don’t know where it is coming from. It is totally untrue. I am really upset about it. I could not believe it.”
“I’m immersed in a beautiful journey with this club and there is still a lot to do.”
What next for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta?
Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy will now be hoping that this statement puts an end to the speculation.
However, there is still the matter of the manager’s contract to be resolved. Arteta only has 18-months remaining on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium. Whilst the club want to keep him, and he is keen to extend his tenure, Edu needs to ensure that the matter is settled with fresh terms as soon as possible, before it becomes even more of an unwelcome distraction and subject of media debate.
For now, Arteta’s full focus will be on his side’s upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest. The Gunners are set to travel to the City Ground on Tuesday afternoon, and are in desperate need of a win in order to keep in touch with Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
Beyond that, Arteta still has every reason to want to stay at Arsenal. He has built a talented young squad, and made the club genuine Premier League title contenders again, as well as restoring them to the Champions League. He will want to see the job through and get his hands on some major silverware with this group of players.
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