Chelsea fc

Arteta is one of several coaches who has been touted in the Spanish press as a possible successor to Xavi Hernandez at Barca, after Xavi announced on Saturday that he would step down at the end of the season.

The fact Arteta began his career in the Barcelona youth system, playing for the club's B-team and subsequently worked with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola would have made him an interesting candidate, but speaking to the press ahead of Arsenal's midweek Premier League game away to Nottingham Forest, Arteta was quick to end any rumors, reports Xinhua.