Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reacted to recent links and reports tipping him to become the next Barcelona manager.
Mikel Arteta has played down speculation linking him with a return to his old club Barcelona while also speaking on his future at Arsenal.
Reports in Spain have linked the Gunners boss with the top job at the Nou Camp. Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta reportedly has the Gunners boss as his choice to become the next Barcelona manager.
Arteta came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy but left without making a first-team appearance.
The Arsenal boss says he is proud to be linked with the job but he remains happy in north London.
“There is always going to be speculation when there are elections in Barcelona, it’s a huge team,” said Arteta as per Sky Sports.
“Obviously I was raised there as a player and there is always going to be links. But I am fully focused to the job that I have to do here, which we have a lot to do, and I am really enjoying it.”
“Today and tomorrow I am the manager of Arsenal Football Club and I am really enjoying it. And I want to do much better than what we have done.”
“What I can tell you is I feel privileged to manage this football club and that I’m extremely happy.”
Arteta was appointed as head coach of Arsenal in December 2019 and he went on to win the FA Cup in August 2020.
The 38-year-old will have two years left to run on his current contract come the summer.
When asked if there had be any talks over a new deal, he replied: “No.”
“We are in the middle of the season, we have a lot to play for and at the moment it is not a priority. I think that’s okay.”
“I still have a contract here. I am happy here and I don’t think it is something urgent.”
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