FC Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta is considering Mikel Arteta to take over as head coach if Ronald Koeman doesn’t stay on.

fbl eng fa cup southampton arsenal
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta looks on during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, Hampshire, on January 23, 2021. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)

Gerard Romero of Esports RAC1 reports that Mikel Arteta is one of the options Joan Laporta is considering to take over as FC Barcelona manager if Ronald Koeman doesn’t stay on for next season.

Laporta is one of the presidential candidates in the running to take over at Barcelona. He’s not the only option, but he is considered to be the favourite.

Previous reports suggested Laporta is also interested in signing Hector Bellerin if he is elected. A figure of £22m plus add-ons was reportedly being discussed.

You’d hope that Arteta would stick with Arsenal if the club still want him around this summer.

It’s fair to say the club have been fairly accepting of some poor results this season on the understanding that it’s part of a long-term process, not a short-term spell. If Arteta leaves this early, you’d feel a bit cheated in that regard.

For now, Laporta hasn’t even been elected, and Arsenal fans have plenty else to worry about between now and the summer.