Antonio Conte to Arsenal stance 'answered by agent' amid Mikel Arteta pressure

Mikel Arteta's future as Arsenal manager has been under serious scrutiny, but a rumour linking Antonio Conte to a move to The Gunners has been firmly squashed by the Italian's agent

When Mikel Arteta took over the reins at Arsenal, he would have done so with the aspiration of topping the table.

Unfortunately for the former Manchester City assistant manager, the table he is currently topping is the bookies list for the first Premier League manager to be sacked.

Arteta has endured a torrid start to the season with three consecutive defeats, nine goals conceded, and not a single goal scored.

Amid the rumours, the speculation and the pressure cooker heat on the Spaniard, reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes suggested Arsenal had 'contacted' Conte.

However, sports journalist Freddie Paxton squashed any present rumours of the former Inter Milan and Chelsea manager potentially joining Arsenal any time soon.

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Antonio Conte has been without a club since he resigned from Inter Milan

"Federico Pastorello (Italian agent close to Antonio Conte) confirms to me: Rumours about Arsenal having a pre-agreement with Conte are 'Absolutely NOT true', Paxton posted on Twitter.

"No official approach from Arsenal."

Arteta's era at Arsenal started brilliantly with a triumphant FA Cup campaign when he took over from Unai Emery.

Unfortunately an underwhelming campaign which saw the Gunners miss out on all European football for the first time in 25 years, has raised the stakes for Arteta.

But the former Arsenal and Everton midfielder was recently supported by Arsenal technical director and former Brazilian star Edu.

He said Arteta needs time to bed in the new signings.

"I respect all the pressure. I came in from Corinthians and then the Brazilian national team where there is unbelievable pressure, just as here," Edu said to Sky Sports.

"I understand the fans. I understand the reason and I accept that, but we will need a bit of time to do what we plan to do.

"I know this type of work, when we are talking about signings, and needing patience hurts Arsenal fans a lot, but it is the reality.

"That's why when I say to you we have to create a good foundation and to create a good foundation you need time."

Arsenal face Norwich City after the international break, in what could be a pivotal match for Arteta and the club.

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