Barcelona have made contact with Mikel Arteta.
The choice of Barcelona’s new coach has become practically a matter of state at the club. Deco, the sporting director, continues to scour the market for a coach who meets the club’s demands. According to Alex Pintanel of Relevo, one of the coaches who appeals to both the Portuguese and President Joan Laporta is Mikel Arteta. Barcelona is keeping an eye on the current Arsenal manager. Arteta’s excellent performance with his current team has not gone unnoticed at Camp Nou.
Arteta fits the profile that the club is looking for to succeed Xavi Hernández next season. Despite statements from the San Sebastián coach a few weeks ago asserting that reports linking him to Barcelona were “fake news,” as Relevo has learned, Barcelona has sounded out his closest circle and even called the Arsenal manager himself.
The club is monitoring Arteta’s situation despite the difficulty of the operation. Arteta has a contract with Arsenal until 2025, which is a hurdle. If Arteta wanted to leave the London club for Barcelona, he would have to negotiate with Arsenal and reach an agreement to terminate his contract. Nevertheless, Deco is keeping an eye on Arteta. Laporta also likes and fits this option.
Arteta honed his style on the sidelines alongside Pep Guardiola, with whom he worked for several seasons at Manchester City. He made a name for himself and established his football philosophy. Additionally, the Arsenal manager is familiar with the club as he spent two seasons with Barcelona’s reserve team. The Basque coach advocates for offensive football and ball possession. With the ability and courage to bet on young players and homegrown talent, Barcelona is tracking Arteta.
Deco and the sporting director continue their work and propose names to Laporta, who will likely make the final decision. Apart from Arteta, Barcelona is still working on finding Xavi’s successor. The German route remains intact with Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel as flag bearers, without losing sight of Roberto De Zerbi, a case very similar to Arteta’s.
