Mikel Arteta, the 41-year-old Spanish coach who has made a name for himself in the Premier League with Arsenal, has repeatedly brushed aside speculations about a return to Barcelona, where he began his career. However, fresh reports are reigniting the rumours linking him to his former club.

Arteta has been at the helm of Arsenal for just over five years, and his impressive tenure came tantalisingly close to clinching the Gunners’ first domestic league title since 2004 last year, only to be pipped by Manchester City in the final weeks of the season. His remarkable work at Arsenal, combined with his strong ties to Barcelona, has resulted in several speculations about his potential return to the Spanish giants in recent times.

The recent developments, including Xavi Hernandez’s announcement of his intention to step down from his role at Barcelona at the end of the current campaign, have fueled fresh suggestions that Arteta might make a comeback to Catalonia.

Back in November 2022, Arteta had downplayed the links to Barcelona when Xavi was facing pressure, stating, “What I can say is that I am extremely happy and proud to be where I am. Barcelona, now, they are on a really good path now, with a phenomenal coach, a coach that has been an absolute legend in that club and has lifted the whole place. You have to be very respectful of that.”

Xavi, who guided Barcelona to the La Liga title last season, confirmed his departure after a recent loss to Villarreal, stating, “I will leave Barcelona in June. We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change. As a Culé, I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June.”

He further commented, “Everything will be calmer now, we can compete for the Champions League… at least with this decision you [the press] won’t kill me anymore. The club will improve with this decision.”