Barcelona presidential candidate selects Ronald Koeman's replacement

As the Barcelona presidential elections loom closer, there is still uncertainty over the club's short-term future regarding players and managers whose contracts expire next June.

One of the favourites to succeed Carles Tusquets is Joan Laporta, who is looking for his second term in charge after leading the club to two Champions League titles and the famed sextuple between 2003 and 2010.

Now well-sourced Catalan radio station RAC1 have indicated that, if Laporta were to return to the Barcelona presidency, he would seek to lure Mikel Arteta away from Premier League side Arsenal to replace current manager Ronald Koeman.

The reasoning behind his choice relies on the fact that Arteta is a graduate of Barcelona's academy, La Masía, in addition to having worked under former manager Pep Guardiola for three years before taking charge of the Gunners, which would make him a perfect fit for the club's philosophy.

How has Arteta performed as manager?

The Spaniard was unveiled as Arsenal manager in December 2019 amidst a tumultuous period for the team. He only finished eighth at the end of the 2019/20 season, but won the FA Cup, the club's first title after the retirement of legendary manager Arsène Wenger.

Arsenal also had a rough start to the current season, sitting tenth at the time of writing, but are still in contention in the Europa League, where they will face Olympiakos in the Round of 16.