Mikel Arteta rebuffs rumours linking him to Real Madrid job

It took some time, but Mikel Arteta’s magic has finally started to manifest and his impressive work in north London means it’s inevitable that he’ll eventually catch the eye of Europe’s elite.

The Spaniard’s rebuild showed signs of taking off last season before a poor end to the campaign left the Gunners without Champions League football. However, the club has gone from strength to strength this season and are in with a shout of winning their first Premier League title in just under 20 years.

Arteta is arguably the most exciting young manager in Europe right now, and rumours have started to emerge of Real Madrid potentially being interested in acquiring the former Arsenal midfielder should Carlo Ancelotti depart at the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta rebuffs rumours linking him to Real Madrid job

Arteta’s links to Barcelona meant tenuous reports surfaced of the Catalans keeping a close eye on the Spaniard during times when Xavi’s job seemed under threat. Now it’s the turn of their Clasico rivals to be linked with the Arsenal boss.

Despite guiding Real to the most stunning of Champions League glories this season, his departure from the club this summer appears inevitable. Los Blancos would have an array of options at their disposal, including Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, but Remontada Blanca reports that Arteta is also in the running.

However, given the nature of the source and the boss’ connection to the Gunners, Arsenal fans have little to fear. Asked ahead of the Europa League round of 16 first leg against Sporting, Arteta rebuffed any rumours linking him to other jobs: “It’s things that managers or players can’t control what is written.

“What I can tell is that I’m fully focused on what I’m doing here and extremely proud and grateful to do what I’m doing in this football club. That’s it.”

Well, that’s good enough for me!