Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has now opened up on Barcelona's reported interest in bringing him in to replace Xavi Hernandez.
Earlier this week, it was claimed Barca had identified the Gunners boss as someone who could take over the reins from the under-pressure Xavi following the LaLiga club's failure to reach the knockout stages of this season's UEFA Champions League.
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It was said Arteta is a firm candidate for the position if it becomes available due to his time as a youth player in the Spanish side's famed La Masia academy and his previous experience of working under Blaugrana legend Pep Guardiola.
The former Everton midfielder has earned a lot of plaudits following Arsenal's bright start to the 2022/23 campaign, with the team firmly in the Premier League title race, as things stand.
However, in a press conference ahead of the London's club final UEFA Europa League group-stage match against FC Zurich, Arteta dismissed the notion that he could join the Catalan giants any time soon, and insisted they are going in the right direction under Xavi.
"What I can say is that I'm extremely happy and proud to be where I am," the Spanish manager said, per ESPN.
"Barcelona now are on a really good path. I think they have a phenomenal coach who is an absolute legend at the club and has lifted the whole place.
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"You have to be very respectful of that."
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