Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

‘That is a lie’ – Brazilian apologises to Arsenal after shutting down surprise Arteta story

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Brazil manager Tite has apologised to Arsenal and branded speculation linking him with succeeding Mikel Arteta in north London as nonsense.

After spells of turbulence, Arteta now has Arsenal striding firmly down the right path. The Spaniard has the Gunners well placed to nab fourth spot this season. What’s more, he’s drawn acclaim for the way in which he has changed the culture of the club.

That was achieved through taking a stand against the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Despite being the club’s top earner, Arteta axed Aubameyang in January after one too many disciplinary breaches.

The outlook at the Emirates is now brighter than it has ever been in the post-Arsene Wenger era. However, the fact Arteta’s contract expires at the end of next season has sparked wild speculation.

Given the job he has done Arteta is unlikely to be short of offers in the coming years. As such, Arsenal are reportedly keen to tie him down to bumper new terms.

Yet that didn’t stop reports emerging from the Brazilian media linking national team boss Tite with the Gunners hot-seat.

Brazilian outlet Globo claimed talks had been held between Tite and Arsenal chief Edu.

The Brazilians are more than familiar with each other having worked together at Corinthians. Tite also drafted Edu in as the Selecao’s general co-ordinator for a three-year stint from 2016.

However, speaking on Monday, 60-year-old Tite apologised to Arsenal for the rumours which he branded as “fake news”.

“Absolutely nothing to it” – Tite

“I apologise to Arsenal, but that information [that I was interested in the job] did not come from us and there is absolutely nothing to it,” said Tite via Goal.

“At a time of so much ‘fake news’, information that is not true makes me sad and I hope that this is corrected. My family can rest easy because I have dignity and great respect for the Brazilian team.

“My feeling is very sad and I get sad because information is passed to the public that is a lie.

“I tell people who feel identified with me to be calm, because Tite has a personal attitude that values ​​his professional activity and knows of the responsibility with the Brazilian team.”

Tite is expected to leave his position with Brazil after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Though it is now clear he will not be taking the managerial reins at Arteta’s expense.