Mikel Arteta slams 'disturbing' reports that he will leave Arsenal for Barcelona
Mikel Arteta has criticized “disturbing” reports that he will leave Arsenal for Barcelona.
The Spanish giants are looking for a new boss following Xavi's shock revelation that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
As a result, Arteta's name appeared in reports with suggestions that he would move away from the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season with a view to a possible move to the Camp Nou.
But when asked directly about the links, Arteta bolted.
In his press conference, Arteta said: “No. It is totally fake news.
“What I read yesterday I don't know where it comes from. I'm really upset about it.
“I couldn't believe it. I don't know where it comes from. I think we have to be very careful especially when talking about personal things. I'm in the right place.”
The Spanish media speculations certainly left Arsenal Fans are worried but talkSPORT understands the club is calm about Arteta's future.
The former midfielder has a contract that runs until 2025, so everyone involved is calm about the situation with Arteta contracted at the north London club until 2025.
The links with the Barcelona Work gained momentum over the weekend when Xavi surprised his fans by announcing his plans to leave.
3
Speaking after the 5-3 defeat to Villarreal, he said: “Before you ask me the relevant questions, I want to announce that from June 30 I will not continue as Barça coach.
“Precisely, I don't know if I have explained myself well, this decision relaxes the general situation.
“I feel the most responsible, I think things have worked very well, a very good job has been done but I think our project should last until June 30.
“I think it will free the players and alleviate the general situation of the Club.
“I have made the decision for days and somehow I have freed myself.
“What I see is that it does not free the situation of the players and the board, and I do not want to be an obstacle for the club, I always want to be a solution, I never want to be a problem.
“I was a solution two years and three months ago but now, thinking with my heart and thinking about the club, for which I want the best, the best thing is that I leave on June 30.
“I thank the president for his trust. We have a president who is incredible, both he and Rafa and Alejandro are very faithful to their word and I believe this will de-escalate the situation.
3
“If we had won 3-2, maybe I wouldn't have said it today, but maybe next week, it was about finding the moment, I had decided a long time ago.”
