Mikel Arteta speaks out on the reports of Arsenal losing him to Barcelona

Mikel Arteta’s managerial career begun in 2019 after Arsenal decided to appoint him as their new manager after the departure of Unai Emery and he has done a decent job as he led the North Londoners to their record 14th Emirates FA Cup. It’s now been reported that Mikel Arteta has attracted interest from Barcelona and the Spaniard has for the first time commented on it.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hasn’t usually been linked with any club since he got appointed as the manager of the North Londoners until the last few days which has seen reports from Spain claim that Barcelona are interested in making the 39 year old their new manager. The report specifically mentions that presidential candidate Joan Laporta believes that Mikel Arteta will be the perfect choice to replace Ronald Koeman who is the current manager of the Catalan club.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of his side’s match against Burnley and he was asked about the reported interest from Barcelona but he however quickly shot that down, saying that there’s always be stories like that and that he is proud to be managing the gunners.

“There is always going to be speculation when there are elections in Barcelona. It’s a huge team and obviously I was raised there as a player, and they’re always going to be linked.” Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports.

“But I’m fully focused on the job that I have to do here. We have a lot to do and I’m really enjoying it. I feel privileged to manage this football club and I’m extremely happy.”

It’s been pretty clear that Arsenal will fully back Mikel Arteta as they believe he is the perfect person to steer their proposed project and so the fans will hope that he gets his contract extended to fend off interest.