'It's only news when Man City spend' - Pep Guardiola takes dig at big-spending Man Utd & Arsenal and admits he's 'concerned' about duo challenging for Premier League title

City have had a quiet transfer window so far in terms of incomings, with winger Savinho their sole purchase for up to £35 million ($45m). Conversely, United spent £52m ($68m) on Leny Yoro and £36m ($46m) on Joshua Zirkzee while Arsenal made David Raya's loan move permanent and splashed £42m ($54m) on Riccardo Calafiori. When asked if he was concerned about their rivals' spending, Guardiola aimed a dig at how he perceived City's transfer deals were covered in the media compared to other top Premier League teams.

WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

He told reporters: "Yes, many years they have done it. Many years but it's not news. It's just when City spend money. Of course I am concerned for many years [about] how good they are. Because every year they are better and getting better. You see Arsenal playing at the same level as last season, I saw the game against [Bayer] Leverkusen - they are on fire. Every year looks more difficult; United will be back, you know? They bought players and everyone wants the crown that we have [had] for four years."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

City's net spend is far less than Chelsea, United, and Arsenal over the past five years but they have still spent heavily during their recent period of dominance. Despite not splashing the cash as much as others, they have won the Premier League four times in a row - something Guardiola clearly relishes.

Pep Guardiola & Erik Ten Hag

Ben Stansall

WHAT NEXT?

Guardiola made the comments ahead of their Community Shield clash with Erik ten Hag's United at Wembley on Saturday. Eight days later, they begin their Premier League title defence away at Chelsea.