Barcelona chief addresses links to Arsenal's Mikel Arteta as Xavi replacement

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 March 2024

Barcelona chief addresses links to Arsenal's Arteta as Xavi replacement

Barcelona sporting director Deco appears to rule out Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta becoming the Catalan outfit's new head coach this summer.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has seemingly ruled out Mikel Arteta becoming the Catalan outfit's new head coach at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

The La Liga champions, as it stands, will be appointing a new manager this summer, with current boss Xavi announcing at the end of January that he will be standing down from his position.

Arsenal head coach Arteta continues to be linked with the role at Camp Nou, with senior figures at Barcelona said to be hugely impressed by the Spaniard's work at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Deco has said that it is "pointless" to speak about the 41-year-old as a possible replacement for Xavi, as he is "not available" this summer.

The Barcelona chief also ruled out a move for Jurgen Klopp, who is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

FC Barcelona sporting director Deco speaks during the board meeting on September 13, 2023 © Reuters

"Nothing has been decided yet, but we are attentive," Deco told Que T'hi Jugues when asked for an update on the managerial situation at the club.

"Obviously you can appreciate top managers like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp as well, but they are not available. Just like Mikel Arteta, Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth manager) and Sergio Conceicao (Porto manager) too.

"We haven't spoken with them at all and it's pointless to mention them. We're not speaking to any manager yet."

Deco has opened the door for Xavi to remain as head coach this summer, with the team winning seven and drawing three of their 10 matches since the ex-midfielder announced that he would be leaving his role.

Barcelona head coach Xavi on January 21, 2024 © Reuters

Barcelona remain in the La Liga title race, sitting second in the table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid, while they will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

"Xavi keeps telling us that his decision is irreversible. If something changes, he has to talk to us. If he tells us he wants to continue, we should talk to him," Deco said when questioned on Xavi's future.

As it stands, former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick is the favourite to replace Xavi this summer, but Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi is also admired.

At the end of January, Arteta played down suggestions that he could become Barcelona's new manager this summer, branding the reports "totally fake news".

The Spaniard is attempting to lead Arsenal to two trophies this season, with the Gunners top of the Premier League table, while they will take on Bayern Munich in the final eight of the Champions League.