Barcelona ‘mark’ Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as possible replacement for Xavi in future following second successive Champions League group stage exit

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly being lined up by Barcelona as a potential future replacement for Xavi.

The Blaugrana head coach is under pressure at the Camp Nou after his side were dumped out of the Champions League.

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It is the second successive season that Barca have dropped down into the Europa League after failing to get out of the group stage.

Xavi recently stated how the LaLiga giants are 'on the right path' despite their European woe.

Though he conceded in October that he would understand if he was to be sacked having splashed out over £150million in the summer.

And according to Spanish outlet , Barcelona are already preparing for the future with the club 'marking' Arteta's name as a potential successor.

Arteta has guided the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table after 12 games, with his team dropping points in just two games.

And this has caught the attention of Barca, who would be keen to bring him back to Catalonia with Arteta previously in the club's youth set-up.

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The Spanish news outlet has declared how Arteta fits the criteria of what Barcelona are looking for, where he is a firm candidate to replace Xavi.

Though they state that Arteta is happy in north London having only signed a contract extension at the Emirates until 2025 in May.

Barcelona are said to still have faith in Xavi's project and hope he will be able to lead them to success for many years.

But should they decide to wield the axe on him, then Arteta would be their ideal replacement.

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Arteta commented on the Barcelona links in his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday's clash with FC Zurich.

He said: "Barcelona now they are in a really good path now, with a phenomenal coach. You have to be very respectful of that."

Speaking in October, Xavi said: "People on the street raise their fists at me as a sign of encouragement.

“Now we have to continue and face reality, but I’m always positive.

“With the effort made by the club and the squad we have, we have to compete for trophies.

“And if we don’t win, as the president [Joan Laporta] said, there will be consequences, starting with me.

“If we don’t win, another coach will come in. But I am going to give everything so that this works.”