Mikel Arteta has been placed on a three-man shortlist for the Barcelona job, following the news that Xavi will step down as head coach in the summer.
The Arsenal manager is admired in Catalonia with Barcelona having previously considered an approach for Arteta in 2021, before the appointment of Xavi.
Arteta has impressed in his first senior coaching role at Arsenal, having turned the North Londoners into one of the Premier League’s finest sides. Arsenal secured Champions League qualification for the first time in seven seasons in 2022/23 after challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Spanish journalist Gerard Romero has claimed Arteta is on a three-man shortlist of options, alongside outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann.
Klopp has confirmed that he intends to take a break from the game after leaving Liverpool in the summer, while Nagelsmann’s future is unclear. The latter will take charge of the German national team at this summer’s European Championship, before a decision is made on his future.
Arteta’s links to Barcelona, where he came through the academy as a player, could make him the leading candidate, should the 41-year-old be open to leaving Arsenal.
Further reports from Spain, in Sport, claim Arteta is considering stepping down from his role as Arsenal manager at the end of the season, despite being contracted until 2025.
