Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has rubbished suggestions that he is looking to leave North London at the end of the season to take up the managerial position at Barcelona.

Arteta, whose contract with the Gunners runs until the end of 2025, said he had no idea where the rumours came from and that they were totally unfounded.

Arteta does look a good fit for the Nou Camp position, as he is Spanish, and he came through the ranks at Barcelona’s academy. But it seems that the rumours linking him to the position vacated by Xavi, who announced he would retire at the end of the season, were the product of wishful think from Spanish newspaper Sport.

Addressing the issue, he said: “Who, me? No. That is totally fake news.

“What you read; I’m really upset about it. I couldn’t believe it. It has no sources.

“I’m in the right place with the right people and feel really good about it.

“I’m embracing a beautiful journey with this club and there’s still a lot to do. 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.

“There is a lot to do here, and we all share that ambition.

“We want more, we aren’t satisfied, and the club wants another push to go to another level. We have everyone on board to achieve it,” he said.