Mikel Arteta says he is fully focused on doing "much better" at Arsenal after he was linked with the Barcelona manager's job. Reports surfaced in Spain this week claiming presidential candidate Joan Laporta was eyeing a move for Gunners boss Arteta if he won the race to return to Barca. It was during his previous spell in the role that Laporta appointed Pep Guardiola as the head coach and ushered in an era of sustained success. 

Arteta went on to work under Guardiola at Manchester City and took over as Arsenal manager in December 2019. Having come through the famed La Masia academy at Barca, Arteta is now said to be on a managerial shortlist for Laporta, should he be elected on March 7, although sources close to the campaign have reportedly distanced themselves from a move for the 38-year-old.