Mikel Arteta's Barcelona contract offer could be back on as Xavi U-turn opens door

Arsenal have been issued a warning regarding Mikel Arteta as Xavi's U-turn at Barcelona could potentially open doors amidst contract issues.

Despite the current circumstances, it seems Barcelona might have a strategy in place. After a meeting at the residence of club president Joan Laporta and a Japanese takeaway meal, first-team manager Xavi officially reversed his decision to depart from his beloved Blaugrana at the end of the season.

The unexpected announcement on Wednesday confirmed that the legendary Barca midfielder would stay in his position until his contract expires in June 2025. With only 14 months left, Xavi's decision raises the question: what happens next?

There's an option for his contract to be extended for another year until 2026, but three other names closely associated with FC Barcelona are also out of contract next summer and have been linked with returns: Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, reports the Mirror.

There's a long-standing belief that Guardiola will one day return to Barca for a second stint as manager and the same goes for Enrique, whose Paris Saint-Germain side ousted Xavi and co from the Champions League last week in their own backyard — their temporary one in Montjuic anyway.

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal boss, has been at the centre of speculation about taking over at Barcelona, with reports from Spain in January claiming he had agreed to replace Xavi. Arteta was quick to label these as «fake news,» despite his contract nearing its final year.

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