Real Sociedad v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports - Source: Getty
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick
Barcelona are reportedly contemplating Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as one of the options in case manager Hansi Flick doesn't renew his current deal, which expires in June 2027.
The German has been at the Camp Nou helm since the summer of 2024 and delivered instant success. Flick led the Blaugrana to an impressive domestic treble and to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where they lost 7-6 on aggregate in extra time to Inter Milan.
Flick has had a decent start to his second season at the helm, recovering from a slow start to take his team a point clear atop La Liga after 21 games. Although the German wishes to stay at the club beyond mid-2027, he hasn't yet committed to a long-term contract.
The Blaugrana have a plan B in place in case Flick decides to cut short his stay at the Camp Nou at the end of next season. As per SPORT, they are considering Arteta as well as Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique among the options to potentially replace the German.
Enrique is one of the top bosses in the game at the moment, leading PSG to a historic quadruple - including maiden UEFA Champions League title - in his second season in charge in 2024-25. Meanwhile, Arteta - who arrived at the Emirates in December 2019 - has taken his team seven points clear at the Premier League summit after 22 games as the Gunners seek to end their 22-year league title drought.
What's next for Barcelona?
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick
Barcelona are in the midst of a solid season. Coming off a 2-1 La Liga defeat at Real Sociedad at the weekend, Hansi Flick's side have seen their lead atop the summit dwindle to just a point.
On-loan Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford scored either side of Mikel Oyarzabal and Goncalo Guedes as the Blaugrana lost for only the third time this season. Second-placed Real Madrid capitalised on the holders' lapse with a 2-0 home win over Levante.
Flick's side will look to stay clear at the top when they host Real Oviedo on Sunday (January 25). But before that, Barca travel to Slavia Prague in the UEFA Champions League, where they are 15th after six league phase games.