BARCELONA are reportedly considering Mikel Arteta as their next boss.
Thatâs as pressure ramps up on Xavi Hernandez following last weekâs Champions League exit.
Former Man City assistant Arteta is shining in the Emirates dugout this season.
He has guided Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table.
And Barcelona chiefs are keeping tabs on Arteta after being left impressed.
Current Nou Camp boss Xavi is under the spotlight after seeing Barca crash out of Europeâs top competition in the group stage.
The cash-strapped Catalans were banking on a major pay day from the knockouts after a summer splurge.
Itâs reckoned the early exit will set Barcelona back at least £20million, plus add-ons they could have had later down the line.
And there will now be more pressure on Xavi to deliver in the league, with Barca one point behind leaders Real Madrid.
However, club chiefs are still backing their former midfielder to deliver.
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And Arteta is instead seen as a future option should a change become necessary.
Thatâs good news for Arsenal, who hope their ex-player can deliver a first Premier League title since the Invincibles in 2004.
As for Xavi, he admits he is fully aware of the consequences if he doesnât deliver trophies after signing stars including Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
He said: âWith the effort made by the club and the squad we have, we have to compete for trophies.
âAnd if we donât win, as the president said, there will be consequences, starting with me.
âBut if we donât win, another coach will come in. But I am going to give everything so that this works.â
