Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that Arsenal’s heavy spending in the transfer market has not been scrutinized in the same way as his club’s, ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League clash at the Emirates on Sunday.
Arsenal’s Summer Outlay vs City’s Spending
Arsenal invested over £250 million in new signings this summer, adding Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, and Martín Zubimendi to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad. Champions Liverpool also spent big, surpassing £400 million with high-profile deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
By comparison, City spent around £150 million during the summer, following up on the £180 million they invested in January.
Guardiola, however, believes the narrative around spending often unfairly centers on his side:
“The only thing I want to say to my friend Mikel Arteta is if he wins the title it will be just because he spent money, not because he worked hard or because of his players,” Guardiola said with a touch of sarcasm.
He added:
“For many years every club can do whatever they want. I know how City are treated is completely different, but it’s fine.”
Arsenal’s Rise Under Arteta
Guardiola acknowledged the progress Arsenal have made under his former assistant, highlighting their impressive Champions League semi-final run last season and their continued rise in English football.
“Step by step, window by window, Arsenal are getting better. Last season in Europe, they made an incredible step forward and for me they are the most solid team,” he said.
City will also be eager to respond after suffering a 5-1 defeat at the Emirates last season, a result that still stings Guardiola and his squad.
Key Facts
Arsenal spent over £250m on new players this summer.
Manchester City’s summer spend was £150m.
City were thrashed 5-1 at the Emirates last season.
Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2024/25.
With both teams strengthened and the rivalry heating up, Sunday’s clash at the Emirates promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the season.
