Following Barcelona's embarrassing 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal on Saturday, Xavi Hernandez wasted no time in announcing his departure from the Catalan giants. The Spanish tactician revealed that he will be stepping down as manager at the end of the season, leaving many wondering who would replace him.
And to no one's surprise, the rumors came flooding in almost immediately. Everyone from Julian Nagelsmann to Thiago Motta began getting linked to the Blaugrana hot seat. However, on Sunday, the most unexpected report emerged out of Catalonia.
According to Catalan newspaper Sport, highly-rated Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told those close to him that he is ready to quit the Gunners once the current campaign ends, thus freeing the Spaniard to return to Barcelona.
The 41-year-old's current contract runs until 2025. While he has enjoyed tremendous backing from the board, the newspaper claims the former Manchester City assistant has been worn out by his time at the Emirates Stadium and is contemplating a change in scenery.
It should be noted that the report claims that the timing is a mere coincidence. While Arteta is admired at Barcelona, Joan Laporta has not contacted the Arsenal manager nor decided to pursue the former Everton and PSG midfielder. Nonetheless, an Emirates Stadium departure would pave the way for a Barcelona move.
However, is there any truth to these rumors? British news outlet Sky Sports and the Evening Standard offered updates on this unexpected rumor and both were quick to play down speculation of an exit.
Mikel Arteta has no plans to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, Sky Sports News has been told
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 28, 2024
Reports in Spain today have suggested that the Gunners boss intends to step down in the summer, with a number of outlets linking him to the Barcelona job. pic.twitter.com/4GfLZZM4Y7
The Evening Standard, in particular, reports that Arteta remains committed to the North London giants and is solely focused on bringing major silverware to the Emirates Stadium. While the Spaniard has won the FA Cup and two Community Shield titles during his reign, he will ultimately be remembered by his ability — or inability — to win the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
His side are one of the favorites to win the English top flight and Europe's ultimate prize. Saka and Co. are currently third in the league and are set to face Porto in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
