Pep Guardiola hands unseen Mikel Arteta boost to Stan Kroenke in Arsenal title race

Pep Guardiola has suggested to Barcelona that they should consider Roberto De Zerbi as their next manager amid speculation the La Liga club are interested in Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Barcelona are considering their next steps after Xavi confirmed he would be leaving the club this summer. With Real Madrid leading La Liga by eight points, it looks like Barcelona will have relinquish their title.

Two ex-Bayern Munich managers — Hansi Flick and ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel — are both being considered, but Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has asked former player and manager Guardiola for his thoughts. According to Mundo Deportivo, Guardiola told the club's boss that if it were up to him, he'd go for the Brighton manager.

The main problem for Barcelona could be De Zerbi's release clause, which they reportedly don't want to pay. Brighton have secured their manager on a significant contract and will need a good deal if they're going to let him go, especially as De Zerbi's reputation is growing.

De Zerbi came to England as an unknown quantity when Brighton needed to replace Graham Potter, who was appointed by Chelsea. But it didn't take long for their new manager to show his worth, and he's led the team into Europe for the first time, reports The Mirror.

Guardiola had lots of positive things to say about the Brighton boss last year: «There is no team playing the way they play — it's unique. I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great — I didn't expect him to do it in this short space of time. He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn't been for a long time. They deserve completely the success they have.»

Mike