Mikel Arteta Shuts Down Rumors: Committed to Arsenal Amidst Barcelona Speculations

Unfounded Speculation Amidst Xavi’s Departure News

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has categorically dismissed recent rumors linking him to a move to Barcelona after Xavi’s announcement of stepping down as the current manager of the Catalan club. Reports from Spain suggested that Arteta might be considering a return to his former club, but the Arsenal boss has vehemently denied such claims.

Arteta Firmly Asserts Commitment to Arsenal

Addressing the rumors, Arteta emphasized that he is in the “right place” at Arsenal and expressed his dissatisfaction with the unfounded speculations. The Spaniard, deeply connected to Barcelona from his earlier days in the club’s renowned academy, underlined his commitment to leading Arsenal to success.

“I am in the right place. I am with the right people. I feel really good about it. I am invested in a beautiful journey with this football club,” stated Arteta, dispelling any notions of an imminent move to Barcelona.

Denial of Fabricated Reports

Arteta expressed his dismay over the reports, labeling them as “totally fake news.” He asserted that the claims about his intention to leave Arsenal were entirely untrue and lacking any credible source. The Arsenal manager urged caution when discussing personal matters and emphasized the need for accuracy in reporting such sensitive information.

“That’s totally fake news,” Arteta stated. “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.”

Focus on Arsenal’s Ambitions

Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, Arteta affirmed his focus on the club’s ambitions, stating, “There is still a lot to do here. We all share that ambition, and you can feel it as well, that we want more, that we aren’t satisfied, and that the club wants to take another push and another level in everything we are doing.”

Looking Beyond Speculation: Klopp’s Departure and Future Possibilities

While Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool, stating he couldn’t manage another club in England, Arteta, who had previously worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, did not rule out the possibility of managing another Premier League team in the future.

“I am extremely young, and I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Arteta remarked. He acknowledged Klopp’s significant contribution to the growth of the league and praised the Liverpool manager’s character, charisma, and passion for the game.

As Arsenal gears up to host league leaders Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta’s focus remains unwavering, dispelling any distractions arising from baseless speculations about his managerial future.