Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta brushes off speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona

Mikel Arteta has dismissed rumors of being linked with a move to Barcelona, ​​claiming he is “happy at Arsenal”.

The Spaniard took over as Gunners boss in December 2019 and has made impressive progress during his time with the Emirates.

After winning the FA Cup in his first season, he led Arsenal to eighth consecutive places before finishing fifth last season.

Mikel Arteta has brushed aside ties with Barcelona, ​​claiming he’s ‘happy at Arsenal’

The Gunners have made an excellent start to this campaign, winning 10 of their first 12 league games, putting them two points ahead of defending champions Manchester City at the top of the table.

They have also progressed through their Europa League group to make it to the knockout stage of the competition.

Notifications in Spain via Sport had claimed that Barcelona are keeping an eye on Arteta with a view to a possible switch for the 40-year-old in the future.

The report said the Catalan giants were impressed with Arsenal’s playing style and discipline under Arteta, and see him as a potential future manager at the Nou Camp.

However, ahead of the Gunners’ Europa League game against FC Zurich in the Emirates, the Spaniard brushed off these rumors and insisted he was happy with his role.

The Gunners have made good progress under the Spaniard and are at the top of the Premier League

“I’m very happy,” he said. “I’m proud to be where I am.”

Current Barcelona coach Xavi has seen his team get off to a good start to the season domestically, with the Catalan giants just a point behind rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga.

However, they have been dumped from the Champions League in the group stage for the second consecutive campaign, sparking speculation about his future.

In addition to rumors of a move to Barcelona, ​​Arteta was quick to praise Xavi’s work and the progress the Catalan giants are making.

He added: “I think Barcelona are on a very good track now.

Arteta was also quick to praise Barcelona’s progress under current boss Xavi

“They have a phenomenal coach, a coach who has been an absolute legend in that club and raised the whole place and you have to be very respectful of that.”

Arteta was an academy player at Barcelona, ​​having gone through their iconic La Masia academy, but left to join PSG as she had never played for the first team.

The Spaniard then went on to play for Rangers, Everton and Arsenal, while also working under former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at City as an assistant coach before moving to the Gunners.

After Thursday’s game with Zurich, Arteta’s team will receive Chelsea in a crystal-clear London derby on Sunday afternoon.