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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says reports linking him with succeeding Xavi as Barcelona manager are “totally untrue”.
Xavi announced on Saturday that he would be stepping down from the role at the end of the season.
Spanish newspaper Sport said Arteta, who is a product of Barcelona’s youth academy, was also thinking of leaving his post with the Gunners.
“Who, me? No. That is totally fake news,” said Arteta, whose Arsenal contract runs until the summer of 2025.
“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. There is still a lot to do.”
Arteta never played a competitive game for Barcelona’s first team and, after a loan spell at Paris St-Germain, the former midfielder went on to play for Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton and Arsenal.
After retiring, he worked as a coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking over as Gunners boss in December 2019.
More to follow.
