Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed reports linking him to succeed Xavi as the manager of Barcelona, calling them “totally untrue.”
Xavi announced on Saturday, January 27, that he would be stepping down from his role at the end of the season. This has led to speculation about potential successors.
Spanish newspaper Sport had suggested that Arteta, a product of Barcelona’s youth academy, was considering leaving his position with the Gunners. However, Arteta refuted the claims, stating, “Who, me? No. That is totally fake news.”
Arteta’s contract with Arsenal is set to run until the summer of 2025.
Expressing his frustration with the rumors, Arteta emphasized that the reports had no credible sources. He asserted his commitment to Arsenal is unwavered.
“I’m in the right place with the right people and feel really good about it. There is still a lot to do,” Arteta stated.
Arteta, who never played a competitive game for Barcelona’s first team, however had a successful playing career with clubs like Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton, and Arsenal.
After retiring, he worked as a coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking over as the manager of Arsenal in December 2019.
