Brazil boss Tite apologises to his family, Arsenal and Arteta over ‘lie’

Brazil boss Tite apologises to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta after speculation the club were lining him up to replace the Spaniard.

There had been doubts creeping in about Arteta’s ability to guide the Gunners back to the top of English football but things have taken a big turn this season.

Following major investment in the summer transfer window, Arsenal have been much improved this campaign and look increasingly likely to finish in the top four if they can keep their current form up.

The north London club are keen to tie Arteta down to a new long-term contract with his current deal only running until the summer of 2023.

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But there were still rumours last week from TV Globo reporter Eric Faria, who insisted that Brazil boss Tite was being lined up as Arteta’s successor at Arsenal.

The reporter said: “There is already a negotiation of Tite to work in English football. To work at Arsenal. He worked with Edu Gaspar. There is the intention, negotiations have started.”

But Tite has insisted that the speculation was “a lie” and that the Premier League club’s technical director Edu has not had any contact with him about the managerial role at Arsenal.

“My feeling is of sadness. I feel sad. I am sad because the information given to the public is a lie. The information is a lie,” Tite told UOL.

“And the people I represent and feel identified with me, rest assured, because Tite has a personal conduct, values his professional activity and knows the responsibility of the Brazilian national team.

“Sorry, Arsenal, sorry, Arteta. It wasn’t that situation. It didn’t come from us. No, there is absolutely nothing. No person connected to me, Gilmar Veloz…

“My word of honour is that