Mikel Arteta Breaks Silence on Links With Barca and Addresses Rumours About Leaving Arsenal in June

• Mikel Arteta has finally reacted to news surrounding his future at Arsenal
• The Arsenal boss has been continuously linked with the Barcelona role
• He has won 124 out of his 210 matches as the manager of Arsenal to date

Mikel Arteta has responded to the recent speculations linking him to Barcelona and the alleged decision to depart from Arsenal at the conclusion of the 2022–23 season.

Spanish reports have suggested that Arteta might step down in the summer, with several outlets linking him to the managerial role at Barca.

According to Diario Sport in Spain (via Sky Sports), it was reported that the Arsenal manager had conveyed to his close circle his openness to leave the Emirates after the ongoing campaign amid growing links to the Catalan giants.

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The speculations gained momentum after Xavi Hernandez declared on Saturday, January 27, that he would be stepping down as the head coach of La Blaugrana at the end of the season.

Xavi made this decision following Barcelona's 5-3 home loss to Villarreal, conceding twice in added time at their newly adopted home, Estadi Lluis Companys.

The defeat placed them 11 points behind La Liga leaders Girona, complicating their chances of defending the league crown and intensifying rumours about potential successors.

Arteta reacts to Arsenal exit and Barcelona links

In response to the reports, the 41-year-old Arteta dismissed the news, categorically stating that the information was 'fake' and lacked substance.

“Fake news. Totally fake news,” he said as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“I don’t know where it is coming from. It is totally untrue”.

“I am really upset about it. I could not believe it. No source, nothing”.

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What's next for Arteta?

Meanwhile, Arteta will be optimistic that Arsenal will maintain its winning streak after enduring a four-game stretch without a victory, including three defeats, after beating Crystal Palace in their last EPL game.

With only the Premier League and perhaps the Champions League as the remaining trophies to pursue, the Spanish tactician aims to reinvigorate their title pursuit against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, January 30.

5 managers linked to Barcelona job

In a previous article, Sports Brief examined the five managers already associated with the position at Barcelona following Xavi's announcement to step down.

The coaching role at Barca will be open at the end of the season as Xavi disclosed his decision, citing a lack of respect and appreciation for his work, which has been wearing him down.

Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, currently with PSG, leads the list of five managers connected to the job.