Mauricio Pochettino is one of the leading contenders to succeed Unai Emery if Arsenal sack the Spaniard.
However, it is highly unlikely the former Tottenham Hotspur manager will get the job given what he said in 2018.
Pochettino was sacked by Spurs last week after a dreadful run of form in 2019, with former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho taking over the reins less than 24 hours later.
The Portuguese was successful on his debut against West Ham United but, just a few hours later across the Thames, the pressure on Unai Emery intensified after a dour draw with Southampton.
Reports in the Sunday papers suggested members of the Gunners board had begun to line up replacements.
At the top of the three-man list was supposed to be Pochettino, but Arsenal fans should not expect to see the Argentine returning to north London.
With pressure growing on Arsene Wenger, Pochettino was asked about potentially taking over at Arsenal and was vociferous in his response.
He said: “I am never going to be manager of Barcelona or Arsenal because I am so identified with Tottenham and Espanyol.
“I grew up in Newell’s Old Boys and will never manage Rosario Central.
“That is my decision because I prefer to work on my farm in Argentina than in some places.
Martin Keown says the Arsenal board should consider Mauricio Pochettino if they sack Unai Emery
“But my commitment is massive in this club. I am working like I am going to be here forever.
“But in the end, it is like the players, you never know what is going to happen in football. It is a lot of rumours about this, about that.”
