Mikel Arteta has strong links to Barcelona after coming through their youth academy (Picture: Getty)

Barcelona want to make Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta their next permanent manager, according to reports in Spain.

Arteta became Arsenal head coach in 2019 and after guiding them to FA Cup glory, his title was changed to manager to reflect his broader remit at the club.

The Spaniard has led the Gunners to a fantastic start to the 2022-23 season, with Arsenal top of the Premier League after their opening 12 games.

That has seen Arteta’s reputation as a manager increase, with the former midfielder building an impressive team of young players who are playing an attractive style of attacking football.

He has picked up the Premier League Manager of the Month award on three separate occasions.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Arteta is now ‘attracting interest’ from Barcelona, who see him as a ‘firm candidate’ and ‘highly value’ the 40-year-old.

But the La Liga club are not looking to replace current boss Xavi any time soon and instead have ‘well marked’ Arteta’s name ‘for the future’.

Arteta has strong links to the Catalan side, having spent three years in their famous youth system and then playing for the Barcelona C and Barcelona B sides.

He also worked under former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City as an assistant manager before his switch to north London.

Barcelona are currently second in La Liga after their opening 12 games, one point behind leaders Real Madrid.

They have failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League and have dropped into the Europa League.

Boss Xavi has come under some pressure in recent weeks, with reports circulating that the club’s hierarchy are concerned over his coaching staff.

His staff includes his own brother Oscar Hernandez, who works as his assistant manager, plus Sergio Alegre, who was previously fired by a third-tier side.

MORE : Barcelona join Chelsea in race for Newcastle star who snubbed Arsenal

MORE : Alan Shearer names Arsenal trio in Premier League Team of the Week

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Gunners boss is ‘attracting attention’…