Mikel Arteta was ‘raised’ by Barcelona but continues to pledge loyalty to Arsenal

Barcelona are a club close to Mikel Arteta’s heart.

While Arteta has categorically denied that he is considering swapping Arsenal for Barcelona, this has not stopped the footballing world from speculating that the Spaniard would be keen on a return to the club where started his playing career.

This follows club legend Xavi’s announcement on Saturday that his time in charge of the Catalan side will come to an end on June 30, whose team currently sit fourth in the table. 

The Gunners’ boss has long been linked with a move to the LaLiga champions, but has always maintained that he is totally committed to the north London outfit.

In an explosive press conference yesterday, Arteta branded reports that he is prepared to quit the club “Totally fake news.” 

He went on to say: "What I read yesterday I don’t know where it’s coming from. I’m really upset about it.

“I think we have to be very careful when you talk about personal things especially. I’m in the right place."

Prior to this, European football expert Andy Brassell had suggested that Arteta may be considering a potential move away from the Emirates, following the news that Jurgen Klopp is to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

With Klopp citing burnout as the main reason behind his decision, Brassell felt his looming departure would prompt many Premier League coaches to review their current positions.  

Brassell told talkSPORT: “He would not be human if, especially with what's happened with Jurgen Klopp, he didn't have a little look around and think ‘well actually this has been really intense at Arsenal’.

“He's done a brilliant job and it must have taken a lot out of him.

“So I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of coaches in the Premier League aren't thinking, ‘well what am I going to do next?’ You know, ‘how long do I want to be in this’?” 

He continued: “It doesn't say Arteta is definitely going to leave, and it definitely doesn't say that he's gone to the club and said ‘I'm leaving’

“But it's just saying that him and his inner circle are considering the possibility, which is slightly different.”

This is not the first time Arteta, who represented the Catalan giants’ youth and B teams between 1997 and 2002, has been tipped to join the former European champions.

Barcelona were initially reported to be interested in the 41-year-old in March 2021 as a successor to then manager Ronald Koeman, when club president Joan Laporta was alleged to be an admirer of his.  

Arteta said of the rumours at the time, which coincided with the Catalan side’s presidential elections: "There is always going to be speculation when there are elections in Barcelona.

“It's a huge team and obviously I was raised there as a player, and they're always going to be linked.”

However, the former midfielder reiterated his commitment to Arsenal, “I'm fully focused on the job that I have to do here. We have a lot to do and I'm really enjoying it. “

Arteta was again forced to dismiss rumours linking him to the job in November 2022 after Spanish newspaper SPORT claimed that Barcelona were closely monitoring his performances at Arsenal. 

More recently however, the ex Gunners captain fuelled speculation that he would be prepared to return to his native Spain.

In June 2023, he told Spanish media outlet Marca that he would be open to one day managing in LaLiga.

Arteta remarked: "Spain is my country. I have been away for many years and at some point it could be an option to return to the League and have other experiences." 

In the same interview he reassured Arsenal fans by reiterating “I am happy at Arsenal”, before adding he still has, “A lot to do here at this club.” 

And given his fiery response to the latest set of questions concerning his future in the capital, it appears increasingly likely that Arteta will continue to manage in English football’s top-flight. 

In the meantime however, Barcelona will have to direct their attention elsewhere as they look for a replacement for Xavi, with outgoing Liverpool boss Klopp a surprise candidate to step into the vacant position at the end of the season.