Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta stance as crisis club Barcelona consider move for manager

Arsenal are still hopeful that Mikel Arteta will lead a ‘cultural overhaul’ at the club and potentially sign a contract extension in the summer despite rumoured interest from Barcelona.

Reports emerged in Spain on Monday suggesting that Joan Laporta, who will bid to become Barca president for a second time in next week’s election, has identified Arteta as a potential replacement for Ronald Koeman should he be voted into power again.

The Gunners boss started his career at Barca, coming through the famous La Masia academy and playing for their B and C teams before leaving to join Rangers in 2002.

He also appeals to Laporta after spending two years working as an assistant to Pep Guardiola, who the Barca presidential hopeful appointed as manager at the Nou Camp back in 2008.

But according to football.london, Arteta is yet to receive a formal approach from Barca and could even be in line for a contract extension at Arsenal this summer.

The Spaniard’s current Gunners deal runs until 2023, though if he finishes the season on a positive note it is believed he could earn himself a bumper new package.

Arsenal chiefs maintain full faith in their former midfielder and are hoping he completes a ‘cultural overhaul’ at The Emirates over the next few years.

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    • Arteta’s position as Gunners boss was hanging by a thread towards the end of 2020, with the club’s worst start to a league season for 46 years leaving him on the brink of an exit.

    Nevertheless, a vital 3-1 win over Chelsea on Boxing Day transformed their fortunes and inspired a run of five wins in six games which propelled them back into the top half of the table.

    The north London club currently sit in 10th place, six points adrift of Everton in the final Europa League qualifying spot.

    They also remain in the Europa League this season, coming from behind to beat Benfica in the round of 32 and set up a last-16 showdown with Olympiakos.

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