Manchester City managerial interest leaves Premier League giants sweating – Barcelona also monitoring contract situation | OneFootball

Premier League champions Manchester City, alongside La Liga’s Barcelona, have led to an increased urgency from Arsenal over the contract situation of Mikel Arteta.

Etihad Stadium bosses are likely to be becoming increasingly wary of their own managerial situation, with Pep Guardiola’s current agreement set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, with no indications as yet of renewal talks.

The understanding in various quarters is that Manchester City will apply no pressure on Guardiola to make a decision imminently, as a sign of respect for the work he has done in England and due to club officials’ close working relationship with the Catalan coach.

Simultaneously however, City bosses will almost certainly be drawing up contingency plans in the event of an imminent decision behind-the-scenes from Pep Guardiola, with a number of exciting coaches from across the European game already being monitored.

That admiration has now led Manchester City to the Premier League, and a coach very close to their recent successes through a previous working relationship, and now ongoing Premier League title battles.

According to the information of TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are ‘continuing to push’ Mikel Arteta to commit his future to the Emirates Stadium ‘as soon as he is ready’, with the Spaniard having just over 12 months remaining on his current agreement.

Despite having reportedly assured Arsenal that he is ‘committed’ to the club and their vision, the Gunners know that Barcelona are ‘huge admirers’ of him, along with Manchester City – who could be looking for Pep Guardiola’s long-term replacement in the ‘not too distant future’.

Elsewhere, it has been claimed in recent weeks that Manchester City also hold a strong admiration for the work being done by Míchel at City Football Group side Girona – who secured UEFA Champions League football for the 2024/25 season.

The Catalan club have enjoyed a stunning season in La Liga competition, pushing Real Madrid for a large part of the campaign towards a Spanish top-flight title, and ultimately drifting away from the summit to settle on their first ever European football campaign.

Some level of Girona’s success can be attributed to Manchester City talents and wider City Group profiles operating on loan with the club, including senior Brazilian international duo Yan Couto and Savio.