Arteta addresses Madrid rumours: "I'm happy here"

Mikel Arteta has, with time and dedication, taken Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, so it is normal that he is being linked with big teams, but that does not mean that every report about him is true. Lately, there had been talk of him and Real Madrid, but through not particularly reliable media and, to put their supposed leaks to rest, the Gunners boss spoke at a press conference on the matter.

"There are things that we coaches and players can't control that they write. I can tell you that I am completely focused for what I am doing here. I am very happy and I am very proud and grateful to be part of this club. That's how it is," the coach said ahead of the Europa League clash against Sporting CP away from home, reassuring the fans.

Meanwhile, Madrid's board is confident in the work of the Italian as they await his results in the Champions League. It is true that, in La Liga, Barcelona are running away as leaders and that they have already beaten the 'Merengues' in the Super Cup and in the first leg of the Cup semi-finals, but it is quite likely that they will wait until the end of the campaign to make a decision.

As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta is under contract until 2025, so his future is secure in London, where they are delighted with his work. Over the next two years, his challenge is likely to be to progress in Europe, where he will need to use the financial returns generated from his good work to continually push his side to the top.