Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has responded to reports claiming that he could replace Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager when the long-serving Gunners legend finally vacates his post.
The 38-year-old refused to rule anything in or out as he spoke to Sky Sports, but he did make it clear that he loves his current club.
Howe said: “I’d rather be linked doing something right than the other way, but my only focus is winning, is Bournemouth. I am loyal, I love the town and I want to continue that association for as long as possible.
“I don’t want to hear it, I don’t need to hear it. I just want to win games.
“It’s very hard to predict the future – if you try you come unstuck. In football management you live week to week. I turn a blind eye to speculation.”
SEE ALSO:
Mustafi looks set to lead Arsenal defence following dominant display in training
Most expensive Arsenal signings ever: Lucas 6th, Mustafi 2nd
Lucas Perez squad number: Arsenal new boy takes tainted no.9 while Mustafi is given far less prestigious jersey
Howe is currently in his second spell as Bournemouth boss, having briefly left the Cherries in 2011 for a brief stint in the Burnley dugout.
The former centre-back, who made 271 league appearances for Bournemouth as a player, is arguably the greatest manager in the club’s history.
His win percentage was 47.9% during his first spell, which lasted 190 games, while Bournemouth have so far won exactly half of their 102 matches since he returned to the South Coast in 2012.
Howe’s combined win percentage over his two managerial spells at Bournemouth is 48.63%.
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger currently boasts a 57.2% win percentage, having led Arsenal to victory in 642 of his 1,123 matches in charge since 1996.