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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responds to Barcelona links

Mikel Arteta responds to Barcelona links
© Reuters
Mikel Arteta rules out the possibility of replacing Ronald Koeman at Barcelona and insists that he is "extremely happy" at Arsenal.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has insisted that he is "extremely happy" at the Emirates amid links with the Barcelona job.

The Catalan giants sacked Ronald Koeman in the wake of their 1-0 La Liga defeat to Rayo Vallecano in midweek, with Sergi Barjuan in interim charge of the team for now.

Arteta has been tipped by some to take the reins at Camp Nou, but the ex-Barcelona man has ruled out the possibility of succeeding Koeman in Catalonia.

When asked what his response was to the links in a press conference, Arteta said: "That I'm extremely happy at Arsenal and I feel privileged to be here. My only focus is here."

The Gunners boss also provided an injury update on left-back Kieran Tierney, who has missed recent wins over Aston Villa and Leeds United with a bruised ankle.

Xavi is now rumoured to be the frontrunner to take the Barcelona job, although the Blaugrana must still negotiate his exit from Qatari side Al Sadd.

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Ben Knapton

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Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman on May 16, 2021
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