MIKEL ARTETA is among a three-man shortlist to succeed Xavi at Barcelona, reports in Spain say.
Nou Camp legend Xavi announced he will be stepping down as Barca boss at the end of the season.
And according to Spanish reporter Gerard Romero, Arsenal manager Arteta is among those the LaLiga giants will eye as a replacement.
It is claimed Barca sporting director Deco started speaking to the agents of potential candidates over the last few weeks.
Jurgen Klopp – set to leave Liverpool in the summer too – and Julian Nagelsmann, who is in charge of the German national team, are also linked with the role.
Barca considered Arteta after sacking Ronald Koeman in October 2021 but Xavi was instead appointed.
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But Arteta did sign a new contract in 2022, which keeps him tied to the Emirates until the summer of 2025.
Spanish World Cup winner Xavi led his club to the league title last season – but will leave at the end of this campaign.
He said: “I think the club needs a change of dynamic.
“For the good of the players, I believe that they will free themselves. We play with a lot of tension.
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“For the good of the board of directors, it is best that I leave. I will give my best. I think all of that will help the dynamic change.
“This is the message I would like to give. I think I am doing the right thing.”
Xavi made the shock announcement following a 5-3 home loss to Villarreal, which leaves them ten points off leaders Real Madrid.
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Mikel Arteta
The Spaniard learnt his coaching craft under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking over at Arsenal in 2019.
He turned the Gunners into title contenders, only narrowly missing out to City last season.
And having come through Barca’s youth set up, Xavi’s exit could give Arteta the perfect return to the Nou Camp.
Jurgen Klopp
The German established himself as one of the finest coaches in the world after joining Liverpool from Borussia Dortmund in 2015.
He led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years and also lifted the Champions League in 2019.
His resignation caused shockwaves around the footballing world and there will be no manager in greater demand than Klopp next season.
Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann announced himself at RB Leipzig and his success earned him a dream job at Bayern Munich.
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With the German giants, he won the league title in 2022 but a year later he was suddenly dismissed.
And despite links to Chelsea and Tottenham, he instead succeeded Hansi Flick as head coach of the German national team in September.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
