Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique are all being linked as potential replacements for Xavi at Barcelona when next season ends, and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes has a release clause for at least some of the next transfer window. Elsewhere, Arsenal hope to keep Gabriel away from the Saudi Pro League, and David de Gea could soon be back in action.
ARTETA, GUARDIOLA IN FRAME TO TAKE OVER AT BARCELONA IN 2025
The Mirror reports that Mikel Arteta is one name in contention to take over from Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona next year.
Xavi will stay on at the Camp Nou for one more season, and Arteta, Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique are all linked with taking the reins beyond that. The paper reports: “Following a meeting at the house of club president Joan Laporta and eating some Japanese takeaway, first-team boss Xavi officially reversed his decision to leave his beloved Blaugrana at the end of the season. Wednesday’s surprise announcement laid out that the legendary Barca midfielder would remain his post until the expiry of his contract in June 2025.
“That’s only 14 months away, so Xavi’s decision begs the question: what then? There’s an option for his deal to be extended for a further year until 2026, but three more names closely associated to FC Barcelona are also out of contract next summer and been linked with returns: Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta.
“There’s a long-standing belief that Guardiola will one day return to Barca for a second stint as manager and the same goes for Enrique, whose Paris Saint-Germain side dumped Xavi and co out of the Champions League last week in their own backyard – their temporary one in Montjuic anyway.
“Yet it’s Arteta who’s most recently been linked with the job, as in January it suddenly surfaced in Spain that the Arsenal boss had already agreed to succeed Xavi. Arteta promptly shut down those rumours, describing the story as ‘fake news,’ but the fact remains that his deal is about to enter its final year.”
GUIMARAES HAS £100M CLAUSE TIME LIMIT
Bruno Guimaraes has a well-publicised £100 million release clause, but clubs will have to act fast to use it.
The Newcastle midfielder could move on for that fee, but the clause only runs until the end of June.
The Daily Mail explains: “Eddie Howe has revealed that the £100 million release clause in the contract of Bruno Guimaraes expires at the end of June, and he believes that is a smart move to avoid a summer of speculation.
“The Brazilian is admired by Manchester City, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, and the club expect enquiries for him following the season’s end.
“Howe is adamant he wants to keep Guimaraes at St James’ Park and feels a hard headline for his release clause to be activated is beneficial.”
ARSENAL WANT TO KEEP SAUDI TARGET GABRIEL
Arsenal defender Gabriel has been impressive this season, as the Brazilian has established a strong partnership alongside William Saliba.
The player is now in talks with the club about extending his contract, after interest from Saudi Arabia last summer.
The Evening Standard writes: “Arsenal have opened contract talks with centre-back Gabriel.
“The Brazilian’s current deal is due to expire in 2027, but he is set to be rewarded with improved terms after a string of excellent performances this season.
“Gabriel has been a regular for Arsenal and has helped the Gunners climb to the top of the Premier League.
“Mikel Arteta’s side have the best defensive record in the top flight, largely down to Gabriel’s formidable partnership with fellow centre-back William Saliba.
“Gabriel attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia last summer, but Arsenal showed no interest in letting him go.”
DE GEA HINTS AT RETURN
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could finally be ready to make his comeback.
The Spaniard has trained with Altrincham, his local side, and suggested that he could be ready to get back to action.
The Sun reports: “David de Gea has hinted he may be about to return to football after taking part in a training session at an English non-league club.
“The Spanish goalkeeper was part of the last title-winning Manchester United squad.
“The 33-year-old was linked with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Shabab and Newcastle following an injury to their No.1 Nick Pope but neither move materialised.
“More recent reports have emerged that he could be heading back to his homeland to join Real Betis.
“Earlier this week he teased a return by issuing a three-word update on his future as he shared a video of himself training.
“That clip was filmed at his local non-league side Altrincham, who are battling for promotion via the National League play-offs.
“De Gea has now dropped another hint that a move could be on the cards by sharing another video along with a “loading” graphic of himself training on the pitch at their J Davidson Stadium.”