Mikel Arteta reveals what he said to Pep Guardiola after his new Man City contract, it’s a blow for Arsenal

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Arsenal have gone toe to toe with Manchester City in the title race in each of the last two seasons, but fell just short both times.

Man City have won the last four Premier League titles in a row under Pep Guardiola, and they could now be set for more dominance.

A shaky start to the season had many questioning Guardiola’s future at Man City, and his contract was set to expire at the end of the season. However, he has now signed a contract extension.

Mikel Arteta worked under Guardiola before becoming Arsenal manager, and he has now revealed how he reacted to the latest news, which could harm his own chances of success.

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Mikel Arteta reveals Pep Guardiola message after Man City contract extension

In a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Arteta was asked about Guardiola’s new contract, and he revealed that he congratulated his former boss after the news.

“If it is what he really wants, and I’m sure it is, I congratulate him – I already did it. I’m happy for him because I want the best for him,” Arteta stated.

When asked if there was extra allure in winning the Premier League ahead of Guardiola, Arteta pointed out the quality within the league.

“We certainly have a lot of the best managers in the world in this league and that’s enough. That’s the challenge, that’s the level. We know the level and how the opposition prepares and the things they do to try to beat you, so it’s great to be in this environment trying to improve yourself and win,” he added.

Is Pep Guardiola’s new contract bad news for Arsenal?

Guardiola is the most decorated active manager in world football, and his new contract will mean his stay at Man City will exceed a decade.

Arsenal were just two points off Man City last season, but Guardiola’s experience in title races played a huge part.

Arteta learned a lot from Guardiola despite comparisons to Jose Mourinho, and he is well aware of the task his side will continue to face in the coming seasons.

There is no doubt that City would have been weaker if he departed, and Arsenal could have then capitalised to finish above them to win the league, but they will now continue to face the incredibly difficult challenge he poses in trying to beat the Spaniard to the title.