Mikel Arteta shuts down speculation of PSG move after being linked with the French giants… but hints he could be tempted by a move to LaLiga in future
- Mikel Arteta claims that he is happy at Arsenal despite recent PSG speculation
- The Spanish manager, who played for both clubs, has a project to do in London
- However, he remains open to returning to Spain one day to manage in LaLiga
Mikel Arteta has shut down speculation about his future amid reports that he has spoken with Paris Saint-Germain to become their next manager.
The Spaniard has won plaudits far and wide for the way he has rejuvenated Arsenal, leading them a second-placed Premier League finish this season playing stylish football.
Earlier this month, shock news emerged that Arteta had held talks with PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos as France’s glitz and glamour club search for a replacement for Christophe Galtier.
In April, the world learned PSG were among his admirers and were monitoring his situation as Arsenal put contract talks on hold to remain focused during the title race. Arteta’s current deal at the Emirates lasts until 2025.
But the 41-year-old – who played for PSG for two seasons in the early 2000s – told Marca that he is happy at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has spoken out about his feelings being at Arsenal after holding talks with PSG
The Spaniard has had a good stint at Arsenal, including an FA victory over Chelsea in 2020
He said: ‘I can only say that I am happy at Arsenal. I feel loved, valued by our owners, Stan and Josh [Kroenke], and I have a lot to do here at this club. I am happy and tremendously grateful to be at Arsenal.’
Arteta has a special bond with Arsenal and the fans, having spent five seasons with the club as a player before joining as manager in 2019 following a stint as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
In his first season in the dugout, he lifted the FA Cup, and last season he ensured Champions League football will return to the hallowed Emirates turf after a six-year absence.
But he did not rule out a move back to his homeland, Spain, in the future.
Arteta had been touted as a replacement for recently deposed PSG gaffer Christophe Galtier
The 41-year-old did not rule out a potential move to La Liga one day in his interview with Marca
He also spoke of his admiration for Barcelona manager Xavi, who won the 2022/23 La Liga title
‘Spain is my country,’ he said. ‘I have been away for many years and at some point it could be an option to return to La Liga and have other experiences. But [not] now…’
He still watches LaLiga when he can. ‘Of course, especially those [games] at night, which catch me better. Besides, my kids see it a lot. There’s always football on TV.’
Arteta spoke of how he is a fan of current Barcelona manager Xavi, saying: ‘I’ve known him since we played together at Barca. Only knowing his character and what he feels about the game was it clear that Barca needed a figure like him.
‘He has been able to withstand the pressure and has been faithful to his ideas defending the club and the players always. The team has been very reliable all year.’
The two were in the same Barcelona B squad in 1999-2000, though that year, Arteta watched his senior break into the first team, whereas he couldn’t carve out opportunities for himself and eventually moved to Paris.
