Mikel Arteta has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Barcelona this summer, reiterating his commitment to Arsenal.
Reports in Spain have suggested the Gunners boss intends to leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season, with a number of outlets in Spain linking him to the Barcelona job after Xavi announced he would be stepping down as head coach at the Nou Camp in the summer.
Spanish publication Diario Sport reported the Spaniard had informed his entourage that he was open to exiting the Emirates following the conclusion of the current campaign, amid ongoing links to the post at Barcelona.
However, Sky Sports News reported Arteta had no plans to leave the club and, speaking at his press conference on Monday, he insisted he is in the “right place” ahead of his side’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening.
When asked if he was leaving Arsenal in the summer, Arteta replied: “No. That’s totally fake news,
“I don’t know where it is coming from, it’s totally untrue and I’m very upset about it.
“I could not believe it. It has no sources. You have to be cautious when you write things in the way it was yesterday.”
He added: “I’m in the right place and I feel good about it. I’m embracing a journey with this club and there’s a long way still to go. 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.
“I’m cautious when I talk publicly about my personal things. I don’t think anyone deserves to hear that in news like that. I have always been straight and said the opposite. I’m so happy where I am now.”
More to follow.
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The winter transfer window is open and will close at 11pm in England and 11.30pm in Scotland on Thursday February 1.
To ensure harmonisation with the major leagues in Europe, the closing dates were set following discussions with the EFL, DFL, Serie A, LaLiga, and LFP, who will all close their summer and winter windows on September 1 and February 1 respectively.
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