Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he is concerned with the increasing levels Arsenal are performing at ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Gunners have run the champions close twice in each of the last two campaigns, taking it to the final day in 2023-24 but missing out narrowly.
And the Spaniard admits his old friend Mikel Arteta is now a constant problem as the North London club look to win their first title since 2004.
He said: “I have been concerned for many years with how good they are because every year they are getting better.
“I see Arsenal playing at the same level as last season. They are on fire. Every year it looks like they are more and more difficult.”
City finished two points above Arsenal last term, but will be determined to win out again in what could be his last season in charge of City.
PEP 💬 [I am] excited for the season, I’ve seen things I like. It’s a new challenge, we could break our own record, last season the record we’d never done before and we will see the ambition of ourselves. I’m looking forward to coming back. pic.twitter.com/1k4oJgTUlr
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 9, 2024
He also aimed a dig at both the Gunners and Manchester United for the amount of money they have spent this summer.
He added: “It’s already many years they have done it! Many years! But it is not news. It is just when Man City spend money…”
Guardiola has been linked with the vacant England job on the same day that Lee Carsley was appointed as the interim manager.
But he remained firm on his stance that nothing has been decided yet and he will is only focusing on the season ahead.
