Mikel Arteta: Arsenal boss speaks on dumping the Gunners for Barcelona

• Barcelona boss Xavi came under immense pressure following the side's early elimination from the Champions League
• Reports surfaced suggesting that the legendary midfielder could be shown the door, with Mikel Arteta taking his place
• However, Arteta has hinted he has no plans to quit the Emirates for a move anywhere else as he is 'happy' at the club
• The Gunners manager has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, with his side currently leading the standings with 31 points

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has broken his silence over reports he could dump the Gunners to replace Xavi as Barcelona manager.

Pressure has been mounting on Xavi in recent days, following Barcelona's elimination from the Champions League in the group stages.

Reports earlier in the week suggested that the legendary midfielder may even be sacked by the Catalan giants and replaced by Arteta.

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Arteta is understood to have emerged as the ideal candidate to succeed Xavi, after a bright start to the new season with the Gunners.

The Spaniard has led Arsenal to 10 Premier League wins so far in 12 outings, with the impressive run helping his side top the standings with 31 points.

Arteta responds to Barca links

Arteta has since come out to dismiss the reports linking him with a move to Camp Nou, insisting that he is happy at the Emirates Stadium

Speaking ahead of his side's Europa League clash with FC Zurich, Arteta suggested that Xavi is the right man for the job at Barca, noting that the La Liga club are on a 'good path'.

"No (I don't make anything of it). What I can say is I'm extremely happy and proud to be where I am," Arteta noted via The Sun.

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"I think Barcelona are on a really good path and (have) a phenomenal coach that has been an absolute legend in that club and has lifted the whole place and you have to be respectful of that," he added.

Arsenal supports Arteta's EPL bid

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal are laying the foundation to boost Mikel Arteta's Premier League title push this season.

The Gunners have emerged as serious title contenders for the English crown in recent weeks, thanks to their scintillating run of form.

The north Londoners are currently topping the EPL standings ahead of Manchester City, having lost just once in their last 11 fixtures.