Mikel Arteta has denied reports that he is set to leave Arsenal for Barcelona and says he is “really upset” by the claims.
Barcelona boss Xavi announced on Saturday that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season with Spanish news website Sport then reporting that Arteta was considering leaving the Gunners for the Spanish giants, where he played as a youngster.
But Arteta has strongly denied the reports and said: “No, that’s totally fake news. What was written yesterday, I don’t know where it’s coming from and it’s totally untrue.
“I’m really upset about it. I could not believe it. I don’t know where it ‘s coming from and it has no source. It’s got nothing.
“I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things, to put it in the way that it was put yesterday.
“I’m in the right place, I’m with the right people, I feel really good about it.
“As I said many times, I’m immersed in a beautiful journey with this football club with these players, the staff, our people, and there is still a lot to do.”
Arteta has a contract with Arsenal until 2025 but says there have not been any discussions yet about extending his stay at the club.
He added: “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.
“I’ve got a strong relationship with the board, with Edu, the team, with ownership. Things come in a natural way and we’ve always done it that way and it’s been done really well.”
