
Arsenal
Premier League • England
Arteta addresses Barcelona rumours of Koeman’s successor with firm Arsenal stance

Mikel Arteta has provided a reassuring answer for Arsenal fans to the rumours of him being Ronald Koeman’s successor at Barcelona.
The Catalan giants sacked Koeman on Wednesday after a string of disappointing results left them in ninth place in the La Liga table. Arteta is one of the names who has been linked with the vacant role. It if of course back in his home country.
And it is at the club where his professional playing career began. He failed to break into their first team after spells with their C and B side.
It seems the Spanish manager will not be making a return to his former side.
When asked about his thoughts on Barca, Arteta responded: “That I’m extremely happy at Arsenal and I feel privileged to be here. My only focus is here.”
That will music to the ears for Gunners fans who have seen a turnaround in recent weeks after a poor start to the season.
Arsenal are eight games unbeaten in all competitions. Out of those matches, they’ve won six times.
That run of form has since them rise from second bottom in the Premier League table to 10th in a matter of weeks.
Arteta was speaking ahead of their trip to Leicester, who sit one place above them in the league. Victory for either side could see them climb up to fifth.

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On the Barcelona situation, Arteta added: “Again, there has been a lot going on in the last few years. And obviously with how Covid has affected things.
“Obviously you have to overcome a situation like the departure of Messi. He has been the key player for many many years and all that takes time and we’ll see.
“I just hope that everything works out well.”
Arsenal still may suffer
Fellow former player Xavi is the odds-on favourite to succeed Koeman, and the Spanish legend’s view on an Arsenal transfer target could scupper a potential move, claims a report.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted that Xavi is likely going to take the reins.
He said: ‘Barça are waiting for the agreement to be completed soon.’ For his part, Xavi is remaining respectful to his current club. He is quoted as saying: “I am focused on my work with Al-Sadd and I won’t talk about anything else.”
With that the case, Football London suggest that could be bad news for Arsenal…
READ MORE: Barcelona sacking could scupper Arsenal transfer after Xavi revelation