Pep Guardiola has once again addressed the ongoing debate surrounding Manchester City’s transfer spending, using rivals Arsenal and Liverpool as examples while defending his record in English football.
Manchester City have spent over £200m on signings so far in 2025, which puts them and the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who have also spent more than that figure during the summer transfer window.
Softfootball gathered that Guardiola explains the double standard in how spending is viewed across the Premier League and said his team hasn’t done badly.
As revealed by Fabrizio Romano on his official X handle, Guardiola addressed that all top title contenders in the league can do so because of the investment they have made in their respective clubs.
Guardiola said:
I want to say to my friend, Mikel Arteta, if he wins the Premier League title… well it will just be because of spending, not because he worked a lot! suggesting that the criticism directed at City is rarely applied to other clubs.
The Spaniard also referenced Liverpool and their new head coach, Arne Slot, who took over this summer.
Guardiola added:
Like Liverpool! If Arne Slot wins the title again, it will be because he spent a lot of money this year, right?
Although Manchester City’s spending is yet to get the kind of result Guardiola wanted, as the former EPL winners have only managed two wins so far this season. City defeated Manchester United 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium, where Erling Haaland and Doku fired up the Cityzens to the eighth position; that is their latest win in the league.
Another respite was their Champions League opener on Thursday night at Etihad, where City extended their home unbeaten run with Haaland’s 50th UCL career goal.
Meanwhile, there will be a test of money spent. this summer when Arsenal and Manchester City play this weekend at the Emirates Stadium. City have been unable to beat Arsenal in their last three meetings, with the last game ending in a 5-0 defeat for Guardiola’s side.
