Arteta responds to Barcelona links and talks about transfers | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has been linked with the Barcelona job this week and was asked about those reports when he faced the media on Thursday.

Here’s what the Arsenal boss had to say …

On being linked with the Barcelona job

There is always going to speculation when there are elections in Barcelona. It’s a huge team. Obviously I was raised there as a player and they’re always going to be linked. I’m fully focused on the job that I have to do here, and we have a lot to do. I’m really enjoying it.

Today and tomorrow, I am the manager of Arsenal Football Club, and I’m really enjoying it. I want to do much better than what we’ve done.

On if Arsenal can finish in the top four

Well the aim is to go on and beat Burnley, we have been chasing for a while but it is not in our hands, the only thing we can control is our own results and performances. We are fully determined to do that better than what we have done in the past eight months.

On plans for summer transfers

“We are planning what’s going to happen in the summer. It will depend on where we finish, how we finish.

“I think what we have to do in the summer is unprecedented for a club of this stature. To do the amount of transactions that we have to make it tells you as well where we are.

“It’s where you have things in the house and you believe that you can improve on it. Externally acquiring players to go to the next level. Everything is planned and let’s see what the market can bring and what the last few months can bring to the club.”

On not qualifying for Europe

“At the moment, it’s not a possibility it’s our reality. We have to be judged on that and I think it’s a fair judgement when people want to do it.

“I think the option to be in Europe is still available through two different paths and we have to maximise that as much as possible because the clubs’ history is not just related to the Europa League in recent years but the Champions League and obviously anything that is not at that level is disappointing.”

On Lacazette’s future

He’s got a contract with us. He played really well the other week. It’s exactly what we demand him to do. I’m really happy with him and the discussions about his contract will happen soon and we will see what happens.