Mikel Arteta Responds To Real Madrid Rumors

Mikel Arteta has insisted that he is "fully focused" on Arsenal despite reportedly emerging as a candidate to be the next Real Madrid manager.

According to Spanish outlet Remontada Blanca, Arteta is seen by Real president Florentino Perez as a possible replacement for Carlo Ancelotti.

It is understood that Ancelotti could leave the Bernabeu this summer, despite being under contract until June 2024.

Arteta is currently in his fourth season as Arsenal manager, having taken the job in December 2019.

After finishing eighth, eighth and fifth in their first three Premier League campaigns, Arteta's Arsenal currently sit top of the table following 26 rounds of fixtures.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured in October

IMAGO/PA Images/John Walton

The Gunners are also still in the UEFA Europa League.

Arteta spoke to the media on Wednesday on the eve of his team's Europa League last 16 first leg away to Sporting Lisbon.

When asked about Real's reported interest in him, he told journalists: "It's things that managers or players can't control what is written.

"What I can tell is that I'm fully focused on what I'm doing here and extremely proud and grateful to do what I'm doing in this football club. That's it."