Mikel Arteta has said he's 'really upset' at reports suggesting he's ready to leave Arsenal for Barcelona at the end of the season.
The Spaniard has fared well during his time in north London, turning the Gunners into a force again.
Over the weekend, after it emerged Xavi would be leaving Barcelona this summer, reports arose suggesting Arteta was keen on replacing his compatriot.
Sport in Catalonia said he was intrigued by the possibility of jumping ship, especially with his contract due to expire next summer.
Mikel Arteta is 'really upset' after reports suggested he could leave Arsenal at the end of the season
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But Arteta has now set the record straight and insisted he was happy working at the Emirates Stadium.
"Totally fake news. I don’t know where it is coming from. It is totally untrue," he said.
"I am really upset about it. I could not believe it. No source, nothing. You have to be cautious when you talk about personal things."
When quizzed on why he was particularly angry, he said: "One is a consequence of the other.
"First of all I’m really cautious when I talk publicly about my personal things. When someone puts a statement about what we’ve done personally.
"Secondly because I don’t think someone deserves to hear news like that.
"I’ve always said completely the opposite. That’s why I feel upset."
Arteta also says he retains a strong relationship with the Arsenal board - meaning he's not concerned about his long-term future.
"I’ve got a strong relationship with the board," he continued.
"Things come in a natural way. We’ve always done it that way and we’ve done it really well."
Xavi's decision to leave Barcelona has shocked the club.
As a club legend, he was seen as the perfect for the European titans when he replaced Ronald Koeman in 2021.
Xavi guided Barcelona to LaLiga glory last year, their first league title since the departure of Lionel Messi.
However, the Catalonian side have struggled for consistency this term and currently sit 11 points behind Girona at the top of the table.
With Arteta seemingly out of reach, it'll be intriguing to see who Barcelona appoint as Xavi's replacement.
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Mikel Arteta has insisted he's happy at Arsenal despite speculation linking the Spaniard with the Barcelona job
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Jurgen Klopp has been linked after confirming he'll be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
It is, however, hard to see the German taking charge of another team so soon with the 56-year-old eager for some time away from football.
Jose Mourinho is currently a free agent following his sacking from Roma earlier this month.
But he burned his bridges at Barcelona years ago and his style of football wouldn't win round many fans.
Rafael Marquez won the lot during his time at the Nou Camp as a player.
Xavi has shocked the footballing world by confirming he'll leave Barcelona at the end of the season
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He's taken charge of their youth side in the years since yet his appointment would be underwhelming.
And Hansi Flick, Robert De Zerbi, Michel and Xabi Alonso are all seemingly in the running as well.
