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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is being considered as a possible replacement for Xavi at Barcelona if and when he moves on from his current job.
The Spaniard played in Barcelona’s youth system, and was Pep Guardiola’s assistant for several years, meaning that he has the club’s DNA in his system. He also has a good relationship with Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff, influential figures at the Catalan club.
Arteta has also drawn admiration for the way he has not been afraid to tackle the dressing room at the Emirates, effectively banishing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over disciplinary issues.
Not that any change is likely soon. Barcelona intend to stick with Xavi for some time to come yet, whilst Arteta signed a new contract with the Gunners in May and is committed to them.
But he is close to the top of the list when it comes to potential future candidates, and things often change quickly in football.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.