Arsenal are ‘convinced’ of where Mikel Arteta sees his future after Barcelona sacked Xavi Hernandez on Friday, with their manager entering the final year of his contract.
The Blaugrana are on the hunt for a new head coach after announcing that Xavi will now not stay next term. Barcelona had convinced their club legend to extend his tenure at Camp Nou one month ago. But president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco have pulled a U-turn.
Xavi initially announced in January that he had resigned from a contract running through the 2024/25 term. The 44-year-old felt it was the best option for everyone if he left the La Liga giants at the end of the term. Yet Laporta convinced Xavi to stay after failing to target Arteta.
Arsenal are ‘convinced’ Mikel Arteta will snub Barcelona for a new contract
Arteta emerged as an early contender to replace Xavi with his contract at Arsenal only going to June 2025. The 42-year-old quickly shut down any suggestion that he spoke to Barcelona about the position, though. Yet Xavi leaving Barcelona again could re-open a door for Arteta.
But Arsenal are ‘convinced’ that Arteta will agree to sign a new contract. That is according to Dean Jones, who reports that Emirates Stadium chiefs also have ‘every confidence’ in Arteta putting pen to paper before the end of this year. The Gunners hope to get it done soon, too.
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The north London natives hope to have Arteta commit his future soon to avoid all doubts he might leave. Barcelona remain a possible landing spot with Xavi departing. But Arteta is not looking to return to Catalunya as he is ‘deeply engrossed’ in the project he has with Arsenal.
Emirates Stadium chiefs want Mikel Arteta to sign a new three-year contract
Arteta is committed to making Arsenal a Premier League title-winning team after falling just short in the last two seasons. The Gunners took their fight with Manchester City to the final day in 2023/24. The Citizens had secured the crown with three fixtures to spare in 2022/23.
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A move to replace Xavi at Barcelona would mark a homecoming for Arteta, who started his playing career in their academy. But the ex-Gunners captain wants to see Arsenal lift a title during his reign. Arteta has so far only won the 2019/20 FA Cup since taking charge in 2019.
Talks for Arteta to sign a new contract would give him a greater platform to make Arsenal a title-winning team. Football Transfers also notes the Gunners want him to sign a three-year deal. Arteta would also seal a substantial pay rise on his current salary worth £9.5m-a-year.