Barcelona Targets Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta As Perfect Replacement for Under Fire Xavi

• Barcelona are eyeing Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as the Catalan giants start looking for a replacement for Xavi
• Arteta is a firm candidate for the Barcelona managerial job after a stellar start to the 2022/23 season with Arsenal
• Xavi could be set to lose his job after failing to guide the Catalans to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League for two consecutive seasons

Barcelona are considering Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as a potential replacement for Xavi, when the 42-year-old manager inevitably leaves the Catalan giants.

Since taking over for Unai Emery back in 2019, Arteta has been able to drastically improve Arsenal's on-field results thanks to his distinct ideology and effective transfer strategy.

According to Team Talk, Arteta is a firm candidate for the Barcelona managerial job if Xavi is eventually let go by the Spanish giants, following the Blaugrana's poor Champions League run.

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Xavi has failed to qualify Barcelona for the knockout stages of Europe’s most prestigious club competition for two consecutive seasons, piling increasing pressure on the 42-year-old manager.

Arteta recently signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium earlier this year, which is set to keep him at the club until at least the summer of 2027.

Arteta: leaving Arsenal is inevitable

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that it is inevitable he would eventually resign as manager of Arsenal, in response to rumors that Barcelona is keeping an eye on the Spaniard, Daily Mirror reports.

The Arsenal manager has led the Gunners to the top of the Premier League standings, with 10 victories from their first 12 games this season.

The North London club are currently two points ahead of defending Premier League champions Manchester City, and will fancy their chances of winning their first league crown since 2004.

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Arsenal supports Arteta's EPL bid

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal are laying the foundation to boost Mikel Arteta's Premier League title push this season.

The Gunners have emerged as serious title contenders for the English crown in recent weeks, thanks to their scintillating run of form.

The north Londoners are currently topping the EPL standings ahead of Manchester City, having lost just once in their last 11 fixtures.