Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has distanced himself from latest speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona.
Arteta was a Barcelona youth player, but started his coaching career in great fashion guiding Arsenal to the summit of the Premier League in 2022-23.
New reports in Spain are stating that Barcelona are interested in hiring Arteta to take over from embattled coach, Xavi.
However, when asked about the links at his press conference ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with FC Zurich, the Arsenal boss reiterated how happy he is in north London.
“I’m extremely happy,” he said. “I’m proud to be where I am.”
Arteta also praised the work of Xavi, who has been in charge at the Camp Nou since November 2021.
“I think Barcelona now they are in a really good path,” Arteta said. “They have a phenomenal coach, a coach that has been an absolute legend in that club and has lifted the whole place and you have to be very respectful of that.”
Arteta came through at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, but left to join Paris Saint-Germain without having played a game for the first team.