Mikel Arteta linked with sensational Arsenal exit amid Barcelona interest

It feels like the January transfer window has had more drama surrounding managers than players.

Jurgen Klopp's exit from Liverpool came out of nowhere, and Xavi wasted little time in following suit and announcing his upcoming departure from Barcelona. Now, we've got rumours suggesting Mikel Arteta could be the latest big-name boss heading for pastures new.

Let's take a closer look at what's being said about Arteta's future.

What has been said about Mikel Arteta's future at Arsenal?

The drama was sparked by Spanish outlet Sport, who sent Arsenal fans into a frenzy with claims that Arteta had warned those close to him that he was considering walking away from the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Allegedly struggling with the daily pressure of being Arsenal boss, the report states that Arteta could speak with club officials and work out an agreement which would see him depart 12 months before his contract is due to expire.

While it is stated that Barcelona have not yet contacted Arteta, Gerard Romero puts the Arsenal boss on a three-man shortlist to replace Xavi at Camp Nou alongside Klopp and Germany's Julian Nagelsmann.

Will Mikel Arteta leave Arsenal this summer?

While it's obviously plausible that Arteta, or any manager, could look for a new home this summer, the chances of the 41-year-old walking away from the Emirates seem unbelievably slim. He has spoken openly about his desire to build something special with Arsenal and is obviously on the cusp of that at this stage in his tenure.

Guillem Balague took to social media to shut down the entire situation, insisting Arteta will not leave and has not even discussed the idea of a summer departure. "None of that is true," he wrote.

That was later backed up by Sky Sports News, who confidently stated that Arteta "has no plans" to leave Arsenal at the end of the season.

What has Mikel Arteta said about managing Barcelona?

This is not the first time Arteta has been linked with a move to Barcelona. 12 months after Xavi was hired at Camp Nou, there was speculation that the Blaugrana could move to replace him with the current Arsenal boss.

Arteta, who spent time in the Barca academy as a youngster and also honed his managerial craft under their favourite son Pep Guardiola, is an obvious candidate for a Barcelona side looking to re-establish their identity.

However, when asked about a move to Barcelona in November 2022, Arteta was keen to distance himself from the reports.

"I am extremely proud and happy to be where I am now," Arteta told a press conference.

"I think, Barcelona now, they are in a really good path. I think they have a phenomenal coach - a coach who has been an absolute legend in that club and has lifted the whole place. You have to be very respectful of that."

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