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Football London
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Kieran Horn

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaks out on Barcelona job with 'phenomenal' Xavi admission

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken out on the rumours listing him as a firm candidate to become Barcelona manager.

Former player Xavi Hernandez is currently the Barcelona boss but a new report has emerged from SPORT revealing that Arteta would be a firm candidate to become the club's head coach in the future.

Barcelona are not currently seeking to part ways with Xavi, and despite failure to reach the Champions League knockout stages for the second consecutive season, the club still see him as their 'clear bet'.

READ MORE: Gabriel Martinelli makes huge new contract admission Arsenal fans will love with one request

Following Arsenal's blistering start to the season it's understandable that Arteta, who only this year signed a new long-term deal keeping him at the club until 2027, has recieved admirers from elsewhere.

Speaking to reporters ahead of his side's Europa League clash with Zurich, Arteta was asked about the rumours linking him with a possible future job at Camp Nou.

He said: "What I can say is that I am extremely happy and proud to be where I am. Barcelona now they are in a really good path now, with a phenomenal coach, a coach that has been an absolute legend in that club and has lifted the whole place. You have to be very respectful of that."

Arsenal face Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday evening before locking horns with London rivals Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

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