The Spanish champions have been drawing up a list of potential successors for Xavi, who announced in January that he will step down at the end of the season.
Xavi has remained adamant that he will stick with his decision, however, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that he wants the 44-year-old to remain in charge beyond the current season.
‘I’ve made it clear to him that I would like him to stay, but I understand the pressure he feels,’ Laporta told Mundo Deportivo last week.
‘I asked if there was a chance he might change his mind, but I could see the pressure on his face. I told him to relax and not feel pressured. He has said he will leave at the end of the season as planned, but we’ll see. Let’s not stress about it now because things are going well.’
According to the newspaper, Barcelona have reduced their shortlist of candidates to replace Xavi to include Luis Enrique, Hansi Flick and Rafa Marquez.
It’s claimed that Barcelona’s hierarchy are against moving for Arteta because he still has a contract with Arsenal until 2025 and his lack of experience counts against him.
Barcelona are also steering away from a move for De Zerbi due to his inexperience at major clubs and the €15 million (£12.8m) release clause in his deal with Brighton.
Barca are also said to have decided against appointing Thomas Tuchel, who is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season, and Julian Nagelsmann, who is set to lead Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign and has not ruled out staying beyond this summer’s tournament.
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