Arteta ‘fully focused’ on Arsenal amid Real Madrid links

Arsenal are five points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the English top flight and are aiming for their first title since the 2003-2004 season.

Arteta has been widely praised for his work at Emirates Stadium in his third full season in charge. A report from Spain on Thursday suggested Madrid could make a move.

Ancelotti is said to be under pressure as Madrid head coach despite guiding the club to a LaLiga and Champions League double last season.

However, when asked about the speculation ahead of Arsenal’s UEFA Europa League round of 16 first leg against Sporting CP, Arteta said he wasn’t concerned.

“It’s things that managers or players can’t control, what’s written,” he said.

“What I can tell you is that I’m totally focused on what I’m doing here and very proud and grateful to do what I’m doing at this football club. That’s it.”

Arteta’s focus will shift from the Premier League to the Europa League on Friday (AEDT) when Arsenal take on Portuguese heavyweight Sporting at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

It’s the third of six games in 18 days for the Gunners but Arteta hinted he won’t seek to change his squad for the European tie.

“We have a team and we have to play the games with the best possible players to win them,” he said. “There were moments when we made eight changes.

“We’re trying to adapt. Players have moments throughout the season when they’re available and when they’re not. We’ll definitely try to pick the best team to win the game.

“Of course everyone wants to play. It’s also true when we wanted to change players who were injured and unavailable. That could be the case tomorrow.

“Sometimes it was difficult and the players have to earn it by playing the minutes. Being fair in football is very difficult.

“You have to be really good at communicating your decisions so the players understand what you’re doing, but you have to be thinking for the best of the team all the time.

“We want everyone to feel important and we will try to make them feel.”

Gabriel Jesus attended training on the eve of the Sporting game but Arteta gave little away when asked if the striker could make his first cap since November.

“There will be news about the squad tomorrow,” he said. “We’ve brought a few players and you’ll see who’s available.”

When asked if Kieran Tierney, Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah are available, Arteta said: “Let’s see how they do.

“We’re trying to accommodate everyone and put them in the best position for tomorrow.”