Mikel Arteta reportedly has a new contract offer on the table from Arsenal amid reports that FC Barcelona want to appoint the Premier League manager.
Xavi Hernandez announced earlier this year that the legendary Spanish footballing figure will be stepping down as manager of Barcelona, with the Catalan giants now on the hunt for a replacement.
And almost the second the news broke, Arteta’s name has been in the mix to succeed Xavi at Barcelona, with the Arsenal manager starting off his playing career at La Masia.
Mikel Arteta has contract offer ‘on the table’ from Arsenal amid Barcelona interest
Now, according to Sport, the north London side have placed an offer ‘on the table’ to keep Arteta at the club, with the Arsenal manager eager to stay with the Gunners.
As per the report, Arteta has no intention of leaving Arsenal with the Premier League giants firmly in the title race as well as still in UEFA Champions League contention, despite currently being down 1-0 against FC Porto.
Indeed, Barcelona’s interest in Arteta will seemingly falter with the La Liga side exploring other options already in the manager market, such as Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi.
Yet if Barcelona can force Arsenal’s hand to award Arteta a new contract, many supporters will be pleased with this outcome given everything the former captain has done for the club.
Contract update could lead to next golden era at Arsenal
Things are on the up at Arsenal with the Gunners on an incredible winning run in the Premier League and looking like outside favourites for the title.
And if Arteta was to sign a new contract with the north London side, the news could usher in a new golden era at the club led by the Basque manager and the ideas the young coach has implemented.
Arteta has been a catalyst for huge change at Arsenal in the last four years, and every fan and the entire squad will want the former club captain to continue his work for many more seasons to come.
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