Mikel Arteta, it is reported, has no plans to leave Arsenal for Barcelona this summer. This is coming against the background of rumours that he will replace Xavi.

Recall that there had been a sensational report in Spain claiming he could walk away at the end of the season, MailOnline reported.

Sport, a Catalonia-based publication, claimed that Arteta has told those close to him that he is considering stepping away from his post early.

Sources close to Arsenal have adamantly denied that there is any truth in the Catalan press reports. They said Arteta was committed to managing the Gunners.

Barcelona are looking for a new manager this summer to replace Xavi. And they have close links to Sport, who claim that Joan Laporta is a big fan of Arteta.

Arteta

Arteta is tied down to a contract running until 2025. And with the Gunners challenging for the Premier League title and Champions League as the season nears its climax.

Arteta took charge at Arsenal in 2019 after leaving his role as Pep Guardiola’s trusted No. 2 at Manchester City. He has gone on to win three trophies during his spell in north London. He got the FA Cup and the Community Shield twice.

The Spaniard also guided Arsenal to a sensational Premier League title charge last season. It ensured they returned to the Champions League. 

Arteta progressed through the famed La Masia academy at Barcelona. But he struggled for opportunities and then joined Rangers in a deal worth £6 million in 2002. 

Xavi

Xavi announced he would leave Barcelona shortly after their 5-3 defeat by Villarreal. 

Speaking post-match, he said: “Before you ask me the pertinent questions, I want to announce that as of June 30, I will not continue as Barca coach.

“We have been talking about it with Laporta and with the sports area. And, as a cule, I think that the club needs a change of dynamic. Thinking about the club and the players; I think they will free themselves and will be calmer.

‘Thinking as a club man I think, ‘The best thing is to leave on June 30’.

“That said, I will give my best in the remaining four months. I think we can have a good season and I hope the dynamic changes.”

Arteta, who has managed 211 matches at Arsenal and won 121 of them, may well now be seen as a strong contender to step in to replace Xavi. MailOnline