'He understands Barcelona': Gerard Pique explains why Arteta is 'obvious' choice to manage Barca

Speaking to The Times, Gerard Pique said: "I don't think Xavi's a decision that is 100 per cent. Let's see how the season ends. I think maybe he will stay.

"To manage Barcelona you need to be a specific type of coach and to understand the way Barca play, so the options are much less.

"The obvious ones are Pep Guardiola, because he had his past here, and he is the best coach right now, and Mikel Arteta.

"Arteta would be a good one also. Why? Because he's the one who understands Barcelona and played for Barca in the past."

Barcelona are currently in the process of searching for a new manager with Xavi announcing his decision to step down at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Arteta has shut down all reports linking him with a summer move to La Liga but Spanish media continue to push Barca's interest in the Arsenal boss.

Barcelona 'contact' Mikel Arteta to replace Xavi