Arteta refutes Barcelona transfer rumors, says 'he's focused'

Mikel Arteta says he remains committed at Arsenal despite rumours of big-name coaches linked with the Blaugranas job.

The Gunners boss was connected to the Barcelona job as RAC1 reported on Monday, March 1, 2021, that one of the favourite Barca candidates in the March 7 elections, Laporta seems not in tune with Ronald Koeman and prefers Mikel Arteta to handle the team when he is voted to occupy the role.

According to Arteta, he remains focused on the Gunners job.

“There is always going to be speculation when there are elections in Barcelona, it's a huge team,” Arteta said when asked about being linked to the Barca job, published by talkSPORTS.

“Obviously I was raised there as a player and there is always going to be links. But I am fully focused to the job that I have to do here, which we have a lot to do, and I am really enjoying it.

“What I can tell you is I feel privileged to manage this football club and that I'm extremely happy.”

The Gunners manager won the FA Cup and Community Shield in his first year. His current contract runs till 2023 and although he sits 10th on the Premier League table yet his obligation lies at the Emirates despite his background relating to the famed La Masia academy at Barca.

 “We are in the middle of the season. We have a lot to play for and at the moment it is not a priority.

“I think that's okay. I still have a contract here. I am happy here and I don't think it is something urgent.

“Today and tomorrow I am the manager of Arsenal football club and I am really enjoying it. And I want to do much better than what we have done.”