Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has responded to reports linking him with a potential move to Real Madrid as a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti.
According to Spanish outlet Remontada Blanca, Real had earmarked Arteta as Ancelotti's successor, with the side struggling for form in La Liga.
It is claimed by Football Espana that president Florentino Perez personally visited the dressing room after the weekend's 0-0 draw against Real Betis, amid claims he has had disagreements with Ancelotti over the non-selection of certain players.
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Arteta, who has guided Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, is said to be one of the candidates Real would consider.
His contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in the summer of 2025, having signed a further three-year extension in April 2022. The former Barcelona player was appointed as manager at the Gunners in 2019.
Now, the Arsenal boss has responded.
Arteta responds to Barca links
Speaking prior to Arsenal's Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, Arteta addressed the reports (quotes via the official Arsenal website): "Managers or players cannot control what is written, but what I can tell you is that I'm fully focused on what I am doing here.
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"I'm extremely happy, proud and grateful to be in this football club."
Speaking on the game itself, he said: "Our priority is the two competitions. Obviously we have to earn the right to continue in this competition to get as far as we want, and tomorrow we're going to face a really difficult opponent.
"The best way to prepare for any competition is to win the previous match and having the confidence and the proper emotion to approach the next game.
"Tomorrow if we play well and we are able to win the game, that will better prepare us for the next game."
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Arteta did not give anything away in terms of team news, although the Evening Standard reported earlier this week that the Gunners will likely be without Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard when they take on Sporting in Portugal.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid