BARCELONA have reportedly contacted Mikel Arteta in an attempt to convince the Arsenal boss to join their project.
Barca are on the lookout for a new manager after Xavi announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Arteta is admired by both sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta.
And the Catalan giants are said to have reached out to Arteta to test the waters about a potential move away from Arsenal in the summer.
The alleged call comes in spite of Arteta’s comments earlier this year in which he labelled reports on a return to Barcelona as “fake news”.
SunSport understands that Arteta has no intention of leaving Arsenal, where he is mounting a second consecutive title charge this season.
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But the 41-year-old is yet to sign an extension at the Emirates Stadium with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season.
Barcelona are said to be impressed with Arteta’s work in North London, but would need him to terminate his contract in order to join the La Liga outfit in the summer.
The Spanish club have a number of other options that they are considering should they fail to convince Arteta to give up on his project with Arsenal.
Former Germany manager Hansi Flick is one name that is reportedly being considered while Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is another option, with the 50-year-old leaving the Bavarians at the end of the season.
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It is also understood that Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is a name that has been attracting the interest the Barcelona boardroom.
For the meantime Arteta will have full focus on the task at hand with Arsenal as he looks to go one step further in the Premier League this season.
The Gunners fell short at the final hurdle in last season’s title race, but are the league’s in form side heading into the final stretch this term and sit two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal host Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday before turning their attention to the Champions League next week for the second leg of their Last 16 tie with Porto.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
