
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has playfully claimed that Mikel Arteta will win the Premier League title “just because he spent a lot on players,” as City prepare to face Arsenal at the Emirates this weekend.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Guardiola highlighted what he sees as a double standard in how clubs’ transfer spending is perceived.
“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.
“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 Man City that happened. It’s for all of them.”
Arsenal splashed £300 million on new signings last summer, taking their total outlay since 2021 to over £900 million—a figure that slightly eclipses City’s spending in the same period.
Guardiola’s comments come as both teams gear up for a high-stakes clash that could shape the early title race.