Tony Cascarino reacts to reports Barcelona are now interested in Arsenal man

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Tony Cascarino has issued his verdict on whether Mikel Arteta could now leave Arsenal to become the next boss of Barcelona in the summer.

Xavi became the second boss of the week to announce that he will leave one of the world’s biggest clubs this summer. The 44-year-old has spent just over two years at Camp Nou.

Unsurprisingly, there has already been speculation that Barcelona could be interested in Mikel Arteta. Arteta spent time at La Masia before the turn of the century. And he began his professional career with Barcelona B. And of course, he has done a phenomenal job at Arsenal.

Tony Cascarino reacts to reports Barcelona could target Mikel Arteta

There have already been reports from Spain that Arteta is one of the three names on Barcelona’s shortlist to replace Xavi (via The Sun).

But speaking on talkSPORT, Tony Cascarino clearly does not believe that Arsenal have anything to worry about at all when it comes to Arteta’s future.

“No, that’s not going to happen. I can’t believe Arteta, he’s got a job that he needs to finish at Arsenal and that is success. No, I just don’t see that. I don’t see that at all,” he said.

Time is not right for Spaniard to leave Arsenal

Obviously, it is going to be hard for any manager to turn down Barcelona if they come calling. They remain one of the most famous clubs on the planet. And any manager who makes things work in Catalonia will secure legendary status.

However, Arteta is going to struggle to get a better position than the one he has at Arsenal. You really get the sense that he has such a huge say in all of the major decisions the Gunners make.

Most managers oversee a large amount. However, some seemingly take it to that next level. And Arteta appears to be one of them.

It would be hard to imagine him having the same level of control at Barcelona. So it would be an extremely brave call if Barca did offer him the job.

Perhaps the situation would be different if Arsenal had reached their ceiling. But there is a lot more to come from the Gunners.

And when you look at where Barcelona are right now, that job opportunity is going to come up again in the future.