Mikel Arteta reacts to rumours linking him with Real Madrid

Real Madrid could be in search of a new manager in the future. Carlo Ancelotti finds himself in a difficult position right now. The Italian had guided the team to a Champions League and La Liga double, and the start to this campaign had been great as well. Things have gone off the rails since then though.

If Real Madrid end up going trophyless, which feels like a very real possibility, then it is very likely that Ancelotti would be shown the exit door. It would be very similar to his first stint as manager at Santiago Bernabeu.

The club have been linked with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Raul and Thomas Tuchel as possible candidates to replace Ancelotti. And if rumours are to be believed then Mikel Arteta has emerged on their radar as well.

As reported by The Sun, ahead of the first leg of Arsenal’s UEFA Europa League tie against Sporting Lisbon, Arteta said:

"“As a manager, I cannot control the things that are written about me.“But what I can tell you is that I am fully focused on the job I am doing here and I am extremely proud and grateful to do what I am doing with this football club.“And that’s it.”"

Arteta reacts to rumours linking him with the Real Madrid job

There is no denying that Arteta is doing a great job at Arsenal right now. Against all odds and expectations, they sit at the top of the Premier League table and are heavy favourite to win it. Not many would have predicted it coming into the season.

But at the same time, one cannot overlook the fact that Arteta has not had a lot of success in management. He won the FA Cup with Arsenal on one occasion but that is pretty much it. Before this campaign, his time at the club was considered by many as a failure and a large part of their fanbase wanted him to be shown the exit door.

Thus, perhaps Real Madrid should wait for Arteta to show that he is capable of sustainable success before making a move for him. At this point of time, someone like Tuchel or Pochettino would be a better choice, if Ancelotti does depart.