The corridors of the Camp Nou are buzzing with a familiar name. As of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, reports from Sport and BBC Sport confirm that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emerged as one of the primary candidates to become the next head coach of FC Barcelona.
While current manager Hansi Flick has enjoyed a stellar run—recently securing the Spanish Super Cup and sitting atop La Liga—the club hierarchy is reportedly beginning "proactive contingency planning" for a post-Flick era, with Arteta’s name at the very top of the list.
Why Now? The "Step-by-Step" Flick Situation
Despite the team's on-field success, there is a looming cloud of uncertainty regarding the managerial hot seat:
The Contract Gap: Hansi Flick’s current deal runs until June 2027. While Barça are keen to extend his stay, Flick has reportedly adopted a "measured stance," preferring to negotiate year-by-year rather than signing a long-term commitment now.
The "La Masia" Connection: Arteta is a graduate of Barcelona’s academy. The club's leadership, including Sporting Director Deco, reportedly view Arteta's tactical evolution at Arsenal as the perfect modern interpretation of the "Barça Way."
The Synchronization: Interestingly, Arteta’s contract at Arsenal also expires in 2027, making a potential move next summer or at the end of his deal a realistic "Plan B" for the Catalan giants.
Arteta’s Stance: "Totally Fake News" or Future Goal?
Arteta has previously dismissed links to Barcelona as "fake news," emphasizing his commitment to the "process" in North London. However, insiders suggest the allure of returning to his formative club is a different proposition in 2026 than it was two years ago.
Mikel Arteta at Arsenal (2025/26 Season so far): | Metric | Status | | :--- | :--- | | League Position | 1st (Premier League) | | Tactical Style | High-possession, structured 4-3-3 | | Contract Status | Ends June 2027 | | Recent Result | 0–0 vs Nottingham Forest (Unbeaten run continued) |
The Other Candidate: Luis Enrique
Arteta isn't the only name on the shortlist. Barcelona are also reportedly "monitoring" the situation of Luis Enrique at PSG. Like Arteta, Enrique's contract also aligns with the 2027 timeline, setting up a potential heavyweight battle for the Barça job if Flick decides to step away.
Journalist Alfredo Martinez: "Barcelona is currently satisfied with Flick, but a big club always keeps a Plan B. They have calculated tomorrow's step yesterday. Arteta and Luis Enrique are the two profiles that fit the philosophy perfectly."
The Verdict: For now, this is a "watching brief." With Arsenal currently leading the Premier League, it is highly unlikely Arteta would leave mid-season. However, if Flick hesitates on a renewal this spring, the pressure on Arteta to "come home" will only intensify.