Mikel Arteta is ‘really happy’ at Arsenal but willing to wait for talks about extending his contract as he focuses on the club’s goal of winning trophies.
After Barcelona manager Xavi confirmed his plan to step down at the end of the season, Arteta became the top choice to take over at Camp Nou.
The 42-year-old quickly and passionately denied that he was ready to leave Arsenal and join his childhood club, but his long-term future with Arsenal is still undecided.
The Spaniard’s current deal, which he signed towards the end of the 2021/22 season at Emirates Stadium, expires next summer.
Title challengers Arsenal are in second place in the Premier League table – two points behind leaders Liverpool with nine games left – before hosting struggling Luton on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners are also aiming for European success and will begin their two-legged Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich next week.
When asked if there was any update on his contract situation, Arteta responded: ‘No, nothing.
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‘I am really happy. I still have a year left on my contract, which is a long time in football. The players are happy, the club is happy, no problems.
‘I’m just focusing on the games and winning football matches, and that’s the most important thing right now.’
Arteta replaced fellow Spaniard Unai Emery as Arsenal boss on a three-and-a-half-year deal in December 2019 before agreeing to a two-year extension in May 2022.
The 42-year-old indicated that goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is currently out of favor, could also stay in north London next season despite speculation linking him with Premier League rivals Newcastle.
England international Ramsdale, who joined the Gunners from Sheffield United in 2021, played in every league game last season but has now become second choice behind David Raya.
‘You know I’m not going to comment on those things,’ Arteta stated regarding the transfer rumors involving Newcastle.
‘The big reality is that Aaron will be here next season because he’s our player and he has a contract.’
