MIKEL ARTETA is favourite for the Barcelona job.
That's according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who've installed the Arsenal manager at 5/2 to succeed Xavi at the Nou Camp.
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Xavi announced his decision leave Barcelona at the end of the season despite still having a year left on his contract.
The 44-year-old delivered the Spanish title in his first full season in charge in 2022-23.
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But with the club trailing La Liga leaders Girona by 11 points, Xavi has decided to officially step down on 30 June following talks with the Barcelona hierarchy.
The next manager will have an array of young talent at his disposal, but a rebuild is required and that could be tricky given the club's precarious financial situation.
As mentioned, Spanish tactician Arteta is the current favourite at 5/2.
But the 41-year-old - a product of Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy - insists any speculation linking him with the vacant position are "totally untrue".
"Who, me? No. That is totally fake news," said Arteta.
"What you read, I'm really upset about it. I couldn't believe it. It has no sources. I'm in the right place with the right people and feel really good about it.
"I'm embracing a beautiful journey with this club and there's still a lot to do. I have a strong relationship with the board."
There's no shortage of illustrious names in contention with Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel thought to be in Barca's thinking.
Former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick is second-favourite in the betting at 3/1, although reports suggest Barcelona are going off the idea.
Rafa Marquez has thrown his hat in the ring at 4/1 with Sky Bet.
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The Barcelona B boss says you simply can't turn down an opportunity like managing the first-team, but he's still in the infancy of his managerial career.
Roberto De Zerbi is available at 6/1, while Thomas Tuchel - who will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the current campaign - is a new addition to the market at 7/1.
Mourinho is priced at 16/1 having recently been sacked by Roma. He would become only the third man to ever have managed both Real and Barcelona.
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