'I am really upset' - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues strong response to reports linking him with Barcelona move following Xavi exit bombshell

Xavi announced his intention to leave Camp Nou at the end of the season in the wake of Barca's damaging 5-3 defeat to Villarreal on Saturday. Following this news, Arteta was sensationally linked with taking up the vacant post, but the Arsenal boss has now issued a forthright denial of these rumours.

Speaking ahead of his side's trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest, Arteta said: "Totally fake news. I don’t know where it is coming from. It is totally untrue. I am really upset about it. I could not believe it. No source, nothing. You have to be cautious when you talk about personal things."

Arsenal will be pleased to see the rumours nipped in the bud by Arteta so the team can fully focus on the job in hand against Forest on Tuesday evening. The Gunners currently sit third in the Premier League, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool and level with Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand. Arsenal are also in the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2017, with Arteta's side due to face FC Porto in the round of 16.

With Arteta seemingly out of the running, Barcelona will be focussing on other candidates as they search for Xavi's successor. Former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is supposedly under consideration, with former players Thiago Motta and Rafa Marquez also being mentioned as possible future managers.