Arsenal really concerned they will lose 150k-a-week man - he's transformed their season

Arsenal are concerned about the future of manager Mikel Arteta, who is attracting interest from Barcelona and Manchester City, according to a fresh report.

The Gunners have been in electric form this term. Arteta’s side currently sit at the summit of the Premier League, five points clear of Manchester City in second.

Arsenal have also progressed through their Europa League group to make the knockout stages of the competition.

According to a fresh report in Spain, Arteta’s impressive management is not going unnoticed on the continent.

Arteta on Barcelona’s radar

According to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona are interested in bringing in Arteta as manager.

Current Barca boss Xavi Hernandez is under pressure, with the Catalan giants having dropped down into the Europa League for the second year in succession.

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

Arteta is thought to be happy in north London, having only signed a contract extension at the Emirates until 2025 in May. Yet Sport claim the Arsenal hierarchy want to secure the manager to another long-term contract.

Indeed, Edu Gaspar, who has just been promoted to sporting director, is believed to be a fan of the Arsenal boss.

Arteta has history at Barcelona, having come through their academy, before leaving as a 20-year-old to join Rangers.

Last month, the Gunners manager commented on the Barcelona links. He said: “Barcelona now they are in a really good path now, with a phenomenal coach. You have to be very respectful of that.”

Man City have also cited the Arsenal manager as a potential long-term successor to Pep Guardiola, according to the report.