Mikel Arteta to Barcelona: How the Blaugrana could line up
James Shearman
- Updated: 3 Nov 2022 22:09 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona were one of the main players in the transfer window, with La Blaugrana enjoying an incredible summer in which they pulled off a number of unlikely signings.
Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie and Marcos Alonso arrived at the club on free transfers, before upwards of €150 million was splashed out on Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde in quick succession.
And there has been a significant improvement in the club's league form as a result, losing just one of their opening 12 games.
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But Xavi's side failed to qualify from their Champions League group, leading to calls for the 42-year-old to be sacked.
The Barca legend's job is not thought to be at risk just yet, but there have been reports that the club's hierarchy want Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as his successor.
If that were the case, how could La Bluagrana line up under Arteta?
How Barcelona could line up under Mikel Arteta
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and could well become club captain in the near future.
19-year-old Alejandro Balde has impressed this season, with three assists in 10 La Liga starts, and would continue at left-back.
In the centre of defence, Arteta could opt for a youthful partnership of Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo.
Jules Kounde could take up the right-back slot, in a similar role to Ben White's in Arteta's current Arsenal setup.
5 games. 4 wins. 13 goals. ✊@m8arteta has been shortlisted for the @PremierLeague's Manager of the Month award 🌟
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 3, 2022
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong would play in the holding role, as Sergio Busquets’ successor, alongside Kopa Trophy winner Gavi.
Meanwhile Pedri would continue to flourish in an attacking midfield position, with the license to roam freely, as Martin Odegaard does at the Emirates Stadium.
In attack, Barcelona have a variety of choices to accompany Robert Lewandowski, who would surely continue being the centre-forward.
The likes of Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres are all available to help out on the wing.
Fati, in particular, could benefit from working with Arteta - who has been instrumental in the developments of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
