Mikel Arteta 'one of the world's most sought-after coaches' on two-name Barcelona manager shortlist

Arsenal didn’t quite manage to take full advantage of their rivals slipping up in the Premier League, but they didn’t let them make up ground either.

With a seven-point lead and a defence that continues to provide the backbone of the title challenge, Mikel Arteta doesn’t need to be gung-ho, he doesn’t need to take risks. The biggest obstacle he now faces is keeping his players in one piece and rotating the squad sensibly as he attempts to compete on all four fronts. He also needs to make sure that speculation doesn’t become a distraction.

Mikel Arteta on Barcelona job shortlist

The stability and consistency that Arteta has built at the Emirates has attracted attention and, not for the first time, Barcelona have been linked with a move for the Gunners boss, if Hanis Flick doesn’t extend his current Camp Nou contract beyond 2027. According to Spanish media outlet Sport, “two names stand out above the rest” with Arteta labelled as “one of the most sought-after coaches in world football”. The other boss named is Luis Enrique who is set to leave Paris Saint Germain in the summer as his deal ticks down in France.

As a Spaniard and former Barcelona player, Arteta will always be linked with one of Europe’s top jobs, however, it is an arena where the sort of patience that he has been shown at Arsenal is rarely afforded. What the 43-year old has done in London, is gradually build the sort of team that could have a period of dominance in the Premier League, rather than just one-off success.

What has Arteta said about the links to Barcelona?

It isn’t the first, and it probably won’t be the last time that Arteta has to address rumours of a return to Spain with reports as far back as March 2021, via Sky Sports: "There is always going to be speculation when there are elections in Barcelona,” Arteta accepted. “It's a huge team and obviously I was raised there as a player, and they're always going to be linked. But I'm fully focused on the job that I have to do here. We have a lot to do and I'm really enjoying it. I feel privileged to manage this football club and I'm extremely happy."

In November 2021 with Xavi under increasing pressure, he said, via TalkSPORT: "No [I don't make anything of it]. What I can say is I'm extremely happy and proud to be where I am. I think Barcelona are in a really good path,” he said. “They [have] a phenomenal coach who has been an absolute legend in that club and has lifted the whole place, and you have to be respectful of that."

"Who, me? No. That is totally fake news," said Arteta, via BBC Sport in January 2024 when it was reported that he was set to replace Xavi at the Camp Nou and had held talks about a possible switch."What you read, I'm really upset about it. I couldn't believe it. It has no sources.

"I'm in the right place with the right people and feel really good about it. I'm embracing a beautiful journey with this club and there's still a lot to do. I have a strong relationship with the board. Things come in a natural way. When the time is right we will have those [contract] discussions and find the best way to deal with it."

With his stock rising, Arteta will be glad that he stayed, however, in the summer of 2027 it will be eight years since he first took charge of Arsenal, which is a long time in modern football. How the next two seasons go could well determine what decision he makes.