'Just because he spent money!' - Pep Guardiola issues sarcastic message to 'friend' Mikel Arteta in complaint that Man City's transfers are judged differently to Arsenal's

Liverpool spent around £440m in the latest window, while Arsenal added £250m worth of talent, including Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres. Guardiola said if either go on to win the title, the narrative will credit spending rather than coaching or player quality. His comments come ahead of City’s showdown with Arsenal on Sunday, a clash already billed as a potential title decider.

"Only I want to say to my friend Mikel Arteta, if he wins the title it will be just because he spent, not because he worked a lot or his players,” Guardiola said sarcastically. "It's like Liverpool. If Arne [Slot] wins again, it will be because he spent a lot of money. Right? Because it's not just [at] Man City that happened, right? So for all of them.

"All I can say is they have been wise. They spent what they believe they can do, you know, to compete against the best teams in the Premier League and Europe and they've reached that level.

"So he found, I think, a team in that way, a club, and step by step, window by window, step by step, Arsenal is getting better. So last season in Europe, they made incredible step forward and they are for me the most solid team. They don't make mistakes in the back and this incredible solid team."

Guardiola’s remarks come amid a fierce debate around Manchester City’s financial muscle and the treatment they receive compared to their rivals. Arsenal and Liverpool’s spending this summer has matched City’s usual outlay, yet Guardiola feels the scrutiny is disproportionately aimed at his side. His comments also serve as a reminder of the mind games he often deploys before big matches.

Manchester City travel to Arsenal on Sunday in a high-stakes Premier League clash that could shape the early title picture. Guardiola will hope his side can avoid a repeat of last season’s 5-1 defeat at the Emirates. With Arsenal strengthening and Liverpool flying, City need a statement performance to reassert their credentials.