Mikel Arteta dismisses Barcelona job links and says Arsenal contract talks ‘not urgent’

Mikel Arteta insists he is happy at Arsenal amid Barcelona job links
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Mikel Arteta insists he is fully focused on succeeding at Arsenal after being touted as a successor to Ronald Koeman at Barcelona.

The Spanish side are holding their presidential elections on March 7 and, as always, the prospect of a new president has led to speculation about the club’s future plans.

Joan Laporta is one of three candidates looking to become president and Catalan radio reported earlier this week that he had added Arteta to his managerial wishlist.

Arteta came through the ranks at Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, while he also worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking charge of Arsenal in December 2019.

However, on Wednesday morning the Spaniard dismissed reports linking him with the Barcelona job, which is currently held by Koeman, and underlined his commitment to succeeding at Arsenal.

“There is always going to be speculation when there are elections in Barcelona, it’s a huge team,” said Arteta.

“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.

“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.

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

Arteta was appointed as head coach of Arsenal in December 2019 and he went on to win the FA Cup in August of last year.

Following that, the Spaniard’s role was changed to that of manager and his influence at the club has grown.

Arteta will have two years left to run on his current contract come the summer, but asked on Wednesday if there had be any talks over a new deal, he said: “No.

“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.”

Arsenal have endured a difficult season so far and they are currently 10th in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s trip to Burnley.

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