Guardiola says Arsenal treated differently over spending ahead of Emirates clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Arsenal have been given more favourable treatment over spending as City head to the Emirates Stadium for a weekend clash. Arsenal pumped £300 million into new signings this summer as they chase a first Premier League title since 2004, taking their spending under Mikel Arteta since Covid to around £900 million. City, by contrast, has spent about £874 million in the same period.

Guardiola said, "They decided to do it in Arsenal," and added: "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. It's like Liverpool. If Arne (Slot) win again, it will be because he spent a lot of money, right?"

Guardiola argued that the transfer market is not equal, noting that City have sold around £550 million of players over the last four years while Arsenal have sold about £219 million, and that Arsenal have spent what they believe they can to compete against the best in England and Europe. "I know how they've been treated is completely different, but what he wants to spend is because they want it and it's fine," he said. He also said, "All I can say is they have been wise. They spent what they believe they can do it, you know, to compete against the best teams in the Premier League and Europe and they've reached that level."

The City boss headed to London buoyed by two important home victories in four days, including the derby-day win over Manchester United and a Champions League opener victory over Napoli. He has tweaked the midfield shape and has seen returns since the international break, though he cautioned that long-term progress remains ongoing. "Seeing the team going up - that is all my concern right now. See the team make a step forward every day. We're not going to win the Premier League on Sunday. We're not going to lose the Premier League on Sunday. The feeling is important, the vibe of the team, the body language especially. I am focused on that, that the body language of the team has grown up."

Arsenal, who hammered City 5-1 in February, will again test City as they pursue the league title.