‘THANKS BARCA BUT I’M HAPPY AT ARSENAL’
BOSS ARTETA PLAYS DOWN TALK OF MOVE BACK TO NOU CAMP AMID PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION FRENZY
MIKEL ARTETA insists he is fully focused on succeeding at Arsenal, after being touted as a potential successor to Ronald Koeman at Barcelona.
The Spanish side are holding their presidential elections this Sunday and, as always, the prospect of a new chief has led to speculation about the club’s future plans.
Joan Laporta is one of three candidates and Catalan radio reported earlier this week that he had added Arteta to his managerial wish-list.
Arteta came through the ranks at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, while he also worked as an assistant to Barca legend Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking charge of Arsenal — his first managerial role — in December 2019.
The Spaniard, however, this morning dismissed reports linking him with a move 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 are 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 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 club and that I am extremely happy.”
Arteta was initially appointed in the role of head coach and went on to win the FA Cup in August in his first season in charge. Following that, his role was changed to that of manager and his influence at the club has grown.
Arteta will have two years to run on his contract come the summer, but asked this morning if there had been 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 and stand 10th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s game at Burnley. The Gunners’ form has improved markedly since Christmas, though, and a key part of that upsurge has been the form of Emile Smith Rowe.
The 20-year-old has burst onto the scene, but there were fears for him after he limped off with a hip issue during Sunday’s win at Leicester.
Smith Rowe was today still being assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff, however, it is hoped any problem is not too serious.
“Emile had a scan yesterday,” said Arteta. “It doesn’t look a significant injury, but he was in discomfort and, for the rest [of the squad], hopefully everybody should be okay.
“I quite enjoy [playing Burnley]. It’s what the Premier League is about — going to those grounds and being able to compete.”