Mikel Arteta has reiterated his happiness with Arsenal amid links with a summer switch to French giants Paris Saint-Germain but has refused to rule out a future exit.
The Ligue 1 champions are on the lookout for yet another new manager following the sacking of Christophe Galtier. The French side failed to win the Coupe de France, as well as enjoy an extended run in the Champions League - leading to the former Lille man’s departure.
Ex-Manchester United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was immediately linked with a move to the Parc des Princes. Ex-Bayern man Julian Nagelsmann was also touted as a potential successor.
Gunners’ head coach Mikel Arteta was also reported to be in the running. It was suggested that he had held talks with PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos after being sounded out.
A move back to Paris would have represented a reunion for Arteta with another of his former clubs - the Spaniard played for PSG for a season-and-a-half between 2000 and 2002 on loan from Barcelona. Asked in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca for the latest on a potential switch to the Parc des Princes, he was tight-lipped.
He replied: “I can only say that I am happy at Arsenal. I feel loved, valued by our owners, Stan and Josh [the two Kroenkes], and I have a lot to do here at this club. I am happy and tremendously grateful to be at Arsenal.”
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Despite seemingly ruling out a switch to PSG for the time being, Arteta has suggested that an exit from North London could be on the cards at some point in the future. He hinted that he could be tempted to return to his home country.
“Spain is my country,” Arteta added. “I have been away for many years and at some point it could be an option to return to the League and have other experiences. But [not] now.”
Arteta has intriguingly been linked with a few posts in Spain in the past. Another of his former sides Barcelona have reportedly lined him up as a successor to current boss Xavi. Real Madrid have also been linked.
A move does not appear to be on the cards for the time being at the very least. Arteta only put pen to paper on fresh terms with Arsenal just over a year ago - that deal set to run until 2025.
The Spaniard was initially appointed as Arsenal boss back in December 2019 as he replaced compatriot Unai Emery at the helm. He led the Gunners to the FA Cup in his first season, whilst they have finished fifth and second in the two most recent Premier League campaigns.
