Mueez Ajao
– Mikel Arteta says he is “extremely happy” at Arsenal after reports linking him with the Barcelona job.
– The 40-year-old Spaniard has guided the Gunners to the top of the Premier League, while they reach the last 16 of the Europa League if they beat Zurich.
– Barca, who are managed by their former player Xavi, have lined up Arteta as a future boss, according to the reports.
Also Read: Arteta provides Saka injury update after World Cup scare in Forest victory
– “They [Barcelona] have a phenomenal coach who is an absolute legend at the club,” said Arteta on Wednesday.
– Arsenal are top of Group A with 12 points from five games, two more than second-placed PSV Eindhoven – who are in Norway to face Bodo/Glimt – before the final round of group games.
– The Gunners are guaranteed a top-two finish.
– The group winners advance directly to the last 16 while the runners-up will play in the knockout round play-offs, where they will face one of the teams dropping down from the Champions League having finished third in the group.
– Barcelona, Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting Lisbon are among the teams that will compete in the knockout round play-offs in February 2023.
– Arsenal are away to Chelsea in a heavyweight London derby on Sunday. Despite that, Arteta says he will field a “really competitive team” against Swiss side Zurich.
– Winger Bukayo Saka could feature after playing down fears he could miss the World Cup with England.
– Saka, 21, was forced off during last Sunday’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest but trained on Wednesday.
