Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde unaware of Arsenal interest

Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde is tired of fielding questions about his future on a weekly basis.

Valverde, who's been in charge of Athletic since 2013, has recently been linked to succeeding Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager, with Spanish outlet Marca reporting the 53-year-old is a top target if the Frenchman decides to end his 21-year reign.

After being quizzed about the report by the media Thursday, Valverde contended he was unaware of Arsenal's reported interest.

"I don't know where these (reports) come from," Valverde said, as translated by Adriana Garcia of ESPNFC. "Of course, I've coached abroad, I know what it entails. For me it was an enriching experience and it was something extraordinary. I don't know what is going to happen in the future."

Speculation over his future has persisted throughout the season as Valverde enters the final months of his contract without a new offer on the table.

Along with Arsenal, Marca also claims Valverde is one of the favourites to take over at Barcelona when Luis Enrique leaves at the end of the season.

The Spanish manager, however, insists he's not contemplating his next move and all his attention is being paid to Athletic Bilbao's remaining games.

"I'm asked the same question week after week and it seems as though I'm struggling to make up my mind, but there is nothing to decide right now," Valverde said.

"It's the time to compete and when the times comes to announce something, which only happens once we analyse the season, I will do that. My focus right now is on the day-to-day and we will see what happens in the future."

With seven matches to play, Bilbao has its sights set on the final Europa League spot in the table as Valverde's men sit two points back of sixth-place Real Sociedad.