Diego Simeone underlines happiness at Atletico Madrid amid Arsenal and Chelsea links

Diego Simeone has effectively ruled himself out of the race to become the next manager at Arsenal or Chelsea.

The Atletico Madrid manager has long been linked with a move away from the Spanish giants and his formidable track record would almost inevitably make him a contender to take over at any leading English side.

Antonio Conte is expected to leave Chelsea in the summer and the Blues had Simeone on their wishlist before turning to the Italian two years ago.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have begun the recruitment process for their first manager in 22 years after Arsene Wenger announced last week that he would leave the club.

Simeone has long been touted as a possible successor for the Frenchman but confirmed on Wednesday that no approach has been made and any future contact will likely not be welcomed by coach or club.

“I haven't spoken with anyone at Arsenal,” said Simeone. “I love it at Atletico.”

On Wenger’s departure Simeone will become the longest serving manager among Europe’s elite clubs, having taken the helm in Madrid in December 2011.

In the six and a half years since Simeone has turned perennial underachievers Atleti into one of Europe’s most-feared clubs, briefly ending the Real Madrid-Barcelona duopoly at the top of La Liga in 2014 before taking the club to two Champions League finals, both of which have ended in defeat to their city rivals.

This season Atleti have not hit the same heights, dropping into the Europa League after finishing behind Roma and Chelsea in their Champions League group. However Spain’s second-best side, as Arsene Wenger labelled them earlier on Wednesday, will pose a huge test for Arsenal.

“Since I arrived the team has improved a great deal,” Simeone said. “The criticism has increased as we’ve raised the bar.

“It’s a responsibility for us but I’m not really thinking about the what ifs. I’m just very excited about the future. I’m happy where I am right now.

“I know we’ve had to go through some problems this season. We have a very competitive squad, it’s quite short but I hope we can put in a good performance, play with the mental freedom necessary to play at a stadium where Arsenal are very strong.”