Will Mikel Arteta become Barca's coach?

Former Spanish football legend Gaizka Mendieta suggests that Mikel Arteta will always receive invitations from major clubs if he parts ways with Arsenal, with Barcelona considered a likely landing spot because of his unique ties to La Masia.

The ex-Spanish midfielder Gaizka Mendieta is convinced that Mikel Arteta, who is currently managing Arsenal, will have “a long line of big clubs knocking” whenever he decides to leave Emirates Stadium. According to Mendieta, with what Arteta has achieved since taking charge in 2019, he could easily return to Barcelona, where he began his playing career.

Mendieta shared this on the OLBG channel. “With the impressive achievements at Arsenal, surely when Arteta moves on, top clubs including Barcelona will come calling. I believe he will win many more trophies before leaving Emirates. Each season Arsenal improves, grows stronger, and consistently competes for the title.”

Currently, Hansi Flick is coaching Barcelona with a contract until 2027, but at 60 years old, Blaugrana might be looking for a successor in the future. Trained at La Masia and closely connected with names like Xavi, Iniesta, and Valdés, Arteta is regarded as a “son of Barca,” despite being born in the Basque region.

After retiring, Arteta served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City before becoming Arsenal’s head coach in 2019. Under his leadership, the “Gunners” have consistently finished second in the Premier League and are gradually returning to being a true powerhouse, although their last trophy remains the 2019–20 FA Cup.

Mendieta believes that although Arteta has not left Arsenal yet, his future with major clubs or even national teams is almost “guaranteed.”

On the other hand, if Arteta ever departs, Arsenal might turn to another former player, Cesc Fàbregas. Mendieta considers the ex-Gunners captain, currently starting his coaching career at Como (Italy), as a “highly promising strategist” who could return to the Premier League soon.

“Fabregas is intelligent, adaptable, and deeply understands Arsenal’s philosophy. He could definitely manage Arsenal or Chelsea in the future,” Mendieta concluded.

From a La Masia trainee to a successor of Pep Guardiola’s spirit, Mikel Arteta is crafting his own journey, and many believe that sooner or later, his next destination will be Barcelona.