Recent reports from Spain suggest that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is part of a three-man shortlist considered by Barcelona to succeed Xavi at the end of the season. Xavi, a legendary figure at the Nou Camp, recently announced his decision to step down as Barcelona’s manager.

The shortlist, curated by sporting director Deco, also includes high-profile names like Jurgen Klopp, who is set to leave Liverpool in the summer, and Julian Nagelsmann, currently leading the German national team. Arteta, who honed his coaching skills under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, has transformed Arsenal into Premier League title contenders. Although Barcelona considered Arteta during their managerial search in 2021, they opted for Xavi.

Arteta’s recent contract extension with Arsenal ties him to the Emirates until 2025. With Xavi’s departure marking the end of an era, Arteta’s potential return to Barcelona, where he began his football journey, adds an intriguing layer to the succession narrative.

FC Barcelona performance and stats

FC Barcelona is currently 4th in the La Liga with 44 points.

In the last 21 games, it has won 13 times, drawn 5 times, and lost 3 times. In its last match, FC Barcelona lost 3-5 against Villarreal.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 43 goals and conceding 29.​

FC Barcelona will play the next match in La Liga against Osasuna on Wednesday 31st of January in Barcelona. The prediction is FC Barcelona winning the match.​