Fake News - Mikel Arteta denies leaving Arsenal for Barcelona

According to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, there are "totally untrue" suggestions that he will take over as manager of Barcelona after Xavi.

Xavi made the announcement on Saturday that he would be leaving the position at the end of the current campaign.

Arteta, who came through Barcelona's junior system, was reportedly considering quitting his position with the Gunners, according to the Spanish tabloid Sport.

After spending time on loan at Paris St-Germain, Arteta never appeared in a competitive match for Barcelona's first team.

Instead, the former midfield player played for Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton, and Arsenal.

Arteta, whose Arsenal contract runs until the summer of 2025 has debunked the claim he is leaving for Barcelona.

He said, "Who, me? No. That is totally fake news.

"What you read, I'm really upset about it. I couldn't believe it. It has no sources.

"I'm in the right place with the right people and feel really good about it.

"I'm embracing a beautiful journey with this club and there's still a lot to do. I have a strong relationship with the board.

"Things come in a natural way. When the time is right we will have those [contract] discussions and find the best way to deal with it."

Before taking over as the Gunners' manager in December 2019, he served as a coach for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

With the North London team, he won the FA Cup in 2020.

The previous season, Arsenal lost to Manchester City in the Premier League after being passed late in the race for first place.

Prior to their match at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, the Gunners are five points behind leaders Liverpool and are in third place.

In the final sixteen of the Champions League, they will play Porto.