Mikel Arteta is ‘considering LEAVING Arsenal at the end of the season’, bombshell report in Spain claims, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta ‘holding him in high regard’ as he looks to replace Xavi

Mikel Arteta could be walking away from Arsenal at the end of the season, according to a sensational new report from Spain.

Sporta publication based in Catalonia has claimed that Arteta has told those close to him that he is considering leaving office early.

Sources close to Arsenal say there is no truth in the Catalan press reports, with Arteta committed to managing the Gunners.

Days after Jurgen Klopp announced he would leave Liverpool within months, Arteta could be the latest major Premier League manager to step down from his role.

Arteta is tied to a contract that runs until 2025, although the same club could allow him to break his existing deal given his strong relationship with the Arsenal board.

Barcelona will look for a new manager next season, with Xavi set to step down

Barca president Joan Laporta is keeping his options open to appoint Xavi’s successor

Despite Barcelona boss Xavi also revealing he will leave Camp Nou at the end of the season, the timing of the Arteta rumors is believed to be a coincidence.

According to Sport, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has Arteta in high regard, although no official contact has been made about the impending vacancy.

Arteta took charge of Arsenal in 2019 after leaving his role as Pep Guardiola’s trusted No. 2 at Manchester City. During his time in North London he won three trophies: the FA Cup twice and the Community Shield.

The Spaniard also guided Arsenal to a sensational Premier League title last season and ensured they returned to the Champions League.

However, the work required in the challenging role is said to have taken its toll on the 41-year-old, who has overseen a staggering overhaul in the Emirates.

‘Maximum discretion’ is now reportedly being applied as Arteta watches the rest of the campaign play out for his side as they battle on two separate fronts.

Arteta came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy before struggling for opportunities and joining Rangers in 2002 in a deal worth £6 million.

Xavi announced he would leave Barcelona shortly after the 5-3 defeat to Villarreal.

After the match he said: ‘Before you ask me the relevant questions, I would like to announce that from June 30 I will not continue as coach of Barcelona.

‘We have spoken about it with Laporta and with the sporting world and as a whole I think the club needs a change of dynamics. When I think about the club and the players, I think they will free themselves and be calmer.

‘As a club man I think: ‘The best thing is to leave on June 30’. That said, I will do my best over the next four months. I think we can have a good season and I hope the dynamic changes.”

Arteta, who has made 211 appearances for Arsenal and won 121 of them, can now be seen as a strong contender to replace Xavi.