ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed as ‘fake news’ reports that he would leave the club at the end of the season, with Barcelona his likely destination.
A report originally made by Spanish outlet Sport was widely circulated last night in England and across the world, with claims that Arteta was planning to replace Xavi, who has announced he would leave Barcelona at the end of the current campaign.
“This fake news about me leaving in June makes me upset,” the Spaniard told reporters today during his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow night’s English Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.
“I’m immersed in a beautiful journey with my players, the staff, our beautiful people… there’s still a lot to do here at Arsenal.
“I always said I’m in the right place.”
On the links to Barcelona, where he started his professional playing career, Arteta added: “It’s fake news. Totally fake news.
“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.”
Arteta, 41, took over as Arsenal manager in December 2019 and led them to FA Cup triumph in May 2020.
He also steered the Gunners to a runners-up finish in the English Premier League last season.
On talks to extend his contract at Arsenal, Arteta said: “This is something that will happen naturally when it happens.
“I’ve got a strong relationship with the board. We’re not discussing new deal now but it will come in a natural way.
“We’ve always done it that way and we’ve done it really well.”
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