Real Madrid's search for a Xabi Alonso replacement could see them move for a manager whom many expect to take over Barcelona one day. Florentino Perez's board will make a decision over a permanent coach in the summer.
Alvaro Arbeloa has taken charge as caretaker manager until the end of the season but doesn't seem likely to get the role long-term. He's overseen a shock 3-2 loss to Spanish minnows Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16 and a 2-0 victory against Levante in La Liga.
Alonso was viewed as one of the most highly-rated tacticians when he arrived at the Estadio Bernabeu last summer. But rumors of issues behind the scenes and tension with several players played their role in his dismissal last week.
Real Madrid view Mikel Arteta as potential long-term option
There are similarities between Alonso and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who has impressed during his five years in charge of the Gunners. The Spaniard has steered the North Londoners away from the struggles of trying to qualify for the Champions League and made them permanent Premier League title contenders.
Arteta is contracted to the English league leaders until 2027 but Madrid are reportedly "attentive" to his situation. That's according to Defensa Central which claims that the club and Perez see the 43-year-old as a promising long-term option.
There has been no progress over contract talks between Arteta and Arsenal which may open the door for Los Blancos. Its viewed as unlikely given he's still overseeing his project at the Emirates and Barcelona and Manchester City are also admirers.
Arteta tipped for Barcelona
Arteta's longevity at Arsenal makes him one of the longest-reigning managers in Premier League history. The stability this has brought has helped the Gunners become one of Europe's most dominant teams albeit without a title or Champions League to show.
Whenever the former Spanish midfielder does depart the Emirates many feel he could be a Barca boss. That's because he started his playing career at Camp Nou before spending time with the Premier League side and also PSG.
Former Madrid man Gaizka Mendieta reckons the likes of PSG and Barca will be keen on him once his time at the Emirates is up. He told OLBG last October:
"The job he's doing at Arsenal and from now until the moment he leaves, which I'm assuming will be a long term, I'm sure there'll be more trophies in the cabinet. Like PSG, every season Arsenal can get better, get stronger and keep getting to the latter stages.
He added:
"Big clubs will be knocking on the door, Barca included, as well as other big clubs and even national teams, he will have a lot of offers on the table."
Appointing a former Barca player might be a controversial move given the rivalry between the two El Clasico clubs. But there's no doubt he's one of the most admired coaches in the world and has shown he can take teams out of precarious situations and find success.