According to media reports, Mikel Arteta is on Barcelona’s radar. As the club’s officials have contacted the Spanish coach with the aim of signing him next season to replace Xavi Hernandez.
Xavi Hernandez had confirmed his departure from the Catalan club at the end of the current season after the pressure on the Spanish coach. Especially after the big loss against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, the elimination from the Spanish Cup and the third place in the league table, Something that did not satisfy the fans of the team.
According to Spanish newspaper Relevo, Mikel Arteta is on Barcelona’s radar and is admired by president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco. Arteta has played for the team and knows their style of play, and he was able to make Arsenal a strong team and a major contender for the Premier League title.
The same newspaper added that Barcelona has already prepared several alternatives in case of failure to sign Mikel Arteta, headed by former Bayern Munich and German national team coach Hans Flick, current Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel, who decided to leave at the end of the season, and current Brighton & Hove Albion coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Arteta is currently in third place with Arsenal in the English Premier League with 61 points behind first-placed Liverpool and second-placed Manchester City. He also succeeded in leading the team to the second round of the UEFA Champions League with a second leg against Porto at the Emirates Stadium after losing the first leg by a goal at the Dragão.