Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola have formed quite the rivalry in recent years.
The two Spaniards have known each other for a long time and even worked together at the Etihad, where they won multiple Premier League trophies.
Over the last few years, Arteta and Guardiola have gone toe-to-toe in the title race and have produced a few great games.
The Arsenal manager is now finally about to get the better of Guardiola, and he could make things worse for his mentor in the summer transfer window by signing Julian Alvarez.
If you’re Andrea Berta and Julian Alvarez is offered to you for £87m, would you sign him?
Too much money or a big bargain?
Pep Guardiola will be upset as Mikel Arteta eyes Julian Alvarez for Arsenal
Alvarez is expected to be one of the biggest names in the summer transfer window.
The Atletico Madrid striker is one of the best forwards in the world right now, and there are rumours that he could be on the move.
Arsenal are interested in signing Alvarez at the end of the season, and we think he would be an excellent signing for the Gunners.
However, we are convinced that Pep Guardiola will not be happy after hearing that Mikel Arteta wants to sign the Argentine.
That’s because Alvarez was a part of Manchester City for two years before he decided to leave them for Atletico Madrid in 2024.
Guardiola always rated the World Cup winner very highly, and the last thing he would want is to see him join City’s biggest title rivals.
Arteta, however, will not care, and he should go all out for Alvarez this summer.
Imagine you are Pep Guardiola. How would you react if Mikel Arteta signed Julian Alvarez for Arsenal?
What Pep Guardiola has previously said about Arsenal target Julian Alvarez
Guardiola loved Alvarez when he played under him at Manchester City, and he remains an admirer following his departure as well.
After a brace from the former River Plate man against Burnley in early 2024, the City boss said, as per TNT Sports: “Julian is amazing, so he’s an extraordinary player, and many things help us.
“Really good, so very pleased for his birthday, not just for the goals, the many things he does.”
Then, in October last year, Guardiola said, as per Goal: “Julian had to compete with Erling (Haaland), which was something extraordinary for us.
“Julian Alvarez is top. That’s why now he’s at one of the best clubs in the world, Atleti, playing for a top-class manager, players, performing unbelievably. Maybe I’d love to have him… but I understand why he left.”
Guardiola would clearly love Alvarez back, so Arteta signing him for Arsenal this summer would definitely annoy him.
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