Barcelona chief responds to Mikel Arteta managerial links amid Arsenal fear

Barcelona sporting director Deco has dismissed the possibility of hiring Mikel Arteta as Xavi's replacement this summer.

The former Barca midfielder Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman in November 2021 and announced in January that he would depart the Spanish giants at the end of the season. The 44-year-old had hoped for a better outcome to his tenure, but failed to replicate last season's La Liga title win and are currently eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.

With the search to appoint a new manager underway, unfortunately for them, it comes at a time when a handful of top clubs are on the hunt for a new head coach. Liverpool and Bayern Munich will both appoint new bosses, as will potential Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen if Xabi Alonso departs.

Arteta is said to be one of the preferred candidates for the job along with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. The latter announced earlier this year he would depart Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years in charge.

Despite the links, the trio have been ruled out by Deco in a recent interview. «Obviously you can appreciate top managers like Guardiola, Klopp and Arteta but they’re not available,» he told Què t’hi Jugues. «There’s no talk at all with them and it’s pointless to mention them. We’re not speaking to any manager.»

Reports claim that contact had been made with Arteta over a possible summer move, while Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi had also been touted as an alternative. Ex-Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick was also in the frame with president Joan Laporta said to be an admirer of the currently unemployed manager.

Speaking about the links, Arteta said: «Who, me? No. That is totally fake news. What you read, I'm really upset about it. I couldn't believe