Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ‘eyed by Barcelona chiefs’

Barcelona have identified Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as a potential replacement for Xavi when the latter eventually leaves his role at the Nou Camp, according to reports. Arteta has managed to transform Arsenal’s on-pitch fortunes since taking over from Unai Emery back in 2019, with his clear philosophy and successful transfer policy having seen the Gunners return to the upper reaches of the Premier League table over the last few months.The Arsenal boss signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium earlier this year, which is set to keep him at the club until at least the summer of 2027. However, it seems as though Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Arteta’s work in north London as they weigh up whether or not to appoint him when Xavi’s tenure ends, according to Sport.It is said that Arteta would be a ‘firm candidate’ for the Barcelona job when it becomes available after impressing those in power at the Nou Camp during his time at Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s role in helping Arteta to cut his teeth in management has gone down well at Barcelona, while his preferred style of play is said to be another factor in shaping their interest in his services.Arteta’s no-nonsense approach to dressing-room management is also liked by Barcelona after he stood firm with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over a disciplinary breach before his exit from the club earlier this year. Xavi is widely expected to stay in his current role at Barcelona for the foreseeable future, which suggests that a change is not imminent, but it remains to be seen whether Arteta will be targeted by the Catalan giants when the time eventually comes for them to select a new manager.JUST IN: Newcastle have decided their next signing as January priority emerges Barcelona have reportedly earmarked Mikel Arteta as a potential future target (Image: GETTY)The Arsenal head coach was previously linked with a move to Barcelona after the sacking of Ronald Koeman prior to Xavi’s appointment during the early stages of last season. He was quick to play down the idea of leaving the Gunners for a return to his native Spain at the time but insisted that he was keeping a close eye on how things were unfolding at Barcelona, the club he played for as a youngster before joining Rangers back in 2022.”It’s been a lot going in the past few years,” said Arteta when asked about the situation at Barcelona and whether he would be prepared to take over if approached by the club.DON’T MISSArsenal star Reiss Nelson responds after two FPL players captain himJuventus have ‘true stance’ on Spurs boss Conte as private chat leakedCristiano Ronaldo loses Man Utd dressing room title after record beat The Spaniard took charge of Arsenal from Unai Emery back in 2019 (Image: EXPRESS)”Obviously how COVID has affected [them], obviously you have to overcome a situation like the departure of [Lionel] Messi who has been the key player for many, many years. All that takes time and we will see.”I just hope that everything works out well, [although] I’m extremely happy at Arsenal and I feel privileged to be here. My only focus is here.”Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.