Arsenal boss dismisses exit talk

 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has moved quickly to dismiss reports that he'll be leaving the club at the end of the season. 

 

Arsenal boss dismisses exit talk

 

Xavi confirmed on Saturday night that he'd be departing Barcelona in the summer and that led to speculation that the Spanish side would target Arteta to succeed the 44-year-old. 

 

Reports on Sunday even suggested that Arteta would consider leaving Arsenal once the current campaign draws to a close. 

 

However, the 41-year-old on Monday confirmed his desire to remain at the Emirates. 

 

When asked if he was leaving Arsenal in the summer in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday's trip to Nottingham Forest, Arteta is quoted by Sky Sports as saying: "No. That's totally fake news. 

 

"I don't know where it is coming from, it's totally untrue and I'm very upset about it. 

 

"I could not believe it. It has no sources. You have to be cautious when you write things in the way it was yesterday. 

 

Arsenal boss dismisses exit talk

 

 

"I'm in the right place and I feel good about it. I'm embracing a journey with this club and there's a long way still to go. I have a strong relationship with the board. 

 

"Things come in a natural way. When the time is right we will have those [contract] discussions and find the best way to deal with it. 

 

"I'm cautious when I talk publicly about my personal things. I don't think anyone deserves to hear that in news like that. I have always been straight and said the opposite. I'm so happy where I am now." 

 

A dip in form means Arsenal head to the City Ground on Tuesday night five points off league leaders Liverpool.