Joan Laporta managerial alternative at Barcelona agrees fresh contract at current club | OneFootball

Barcelona are delighted with German manager Hansi Flick so far, who has started off with a 100% record. Yet it is no secret that he was one of several names that were considered for the job, amid doubts he could translate his work in Germany to La Liga.

Laporta’s dream signing was said to be Jurgen Klopp, but he announced his retirement. Fellow Germans Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann were other names that Barcelona considered, as was then Barca Atletic coach Rafael Marquez. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was also rumoured to be to Barcelona’s liking even before Xavi Hernandez announced his decision to leave last January too.

Arteta publicly denied any links to anywhere that wasn’t Arsenal, and as per The Athletic, he has backed up his words. The Basque manager has agreed a new three-year deal with the Gunners, with his current contract expiring next summer.

The Blaugrana are not looking currently, but if Arteta continues to compete at the top of the Premier League, then admiring glances are likely to be flashed his way whenever they do need a new coach. Arteta spent time at La Masia, and learnt his trade under Pep Guardiola. In addition, if Arteta decides to leave English football, Barcelona would automatically be one of the top destinations.