Mikel Arteta Quashes Barcelona Rumours: I Am Proud To Be At Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has been linked with a managerial role at Barcelona…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has quashed rumours that recently surfaced about a move in the future to Barcelona with the Spaniard reiterating his commitment to the club.

Barcelona, at the moment, do not have a vacant managerial position though there is a lot of discussion about Xavi’s future just months after his arrival.

The legendary midfielder was heavily backed in the summer window with finances Barcelona didn’t actually have, and that has proven to be a costly gamble after they exited the Champions League at the group stage.

In contrast, after a rocky start and a period of transitioning the playing staff, Arteta is now excelling as a coach as he instills his favoured 4-3-3 system.

The 40-year-old has also cemented a specific culture around the club which has filtered to the fans in the stands, leaving the Emirates Stadium bouncing every home game.

It’s that process, as well as being our former skipper, which emotionally ties Arteta to the club and the boss reiterated his dedication to the cause, while also praising Xavi.

“What I can say is that I’m extremely happy and proud to be where I am,” Arteta said when asked about the Barcelona rumours (via HaytersTV).

“Barcelona now are on a really good path. I think they have a phenomenal coach who is an absolute legend at the club and has lived the whole place. You have to be very respectful of that.”

The timing of these rumours have been interesting and they come off the back of similar exit rumours surrounding technical director Edu.

The cynic in me questions whether the media are desperate to try and unsettle us or infuriate a fanbase whose anger has been used to generate clicks on many outlets.

Either way, Edu and Arteta have suffered a lot in recent years and are now seeing light at the end of the tunnel. This isn’t the moment to jump ship.