Premier League title rivals swooped to troll Mikel Arteta and Arsenal after Pep Guardiola reportedly agreed to stay at Manchester City beyond 2025.
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Guardiola to pen new contract with Man CityCould potentially stay until 2027PL rivals aim dig at Arsenal & Arteta Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Guardiola is reportedly set to extend his tenure at the Etihad with a new contract that will keep him with the English champions at least until 2026, with an option for an additional 12 months. An official announcement from the club is expected soon, quelling ongoing speculation about his future and ending uncertainty for the reigning Premier League title holders.
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Arsenal have been involved in thrilling Premier League title chases with City over the last couple of seasons, but ended up second-best by a whisker on both occasions. After it was revealed that Guardiola could continue in the Premier League until 2027, rival fans took aim at former apprentice Arteta and his troops.
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
A Liverpool fan, @ChigoTheKopite, wrote: "This means more tears for Arteta and Arsenal fans. I will always be there no matter what."
While @afczaf tweeted: "Arteta fanboys quaking in their shoes as we speak 😂😂 they know Arteta can’t dunk on Pep so this has definitely ruined their day."
A Chelsea fan, @evickss, wrote: "Pep Guardiola extending the contract means Mikel Arteta will never win an important trophy. Maybe FA and Carabao Cup."
@BluesBallersHQ wrote: "Pep just want to block Arteta winning the league and leave when Maresca’s ready lmao. He’s so Chels."
A different perspective was offered by @Watch_LFC. He wrote: "Pep Guardiola was deffo going to leave Man City because he couldn't bear the thought of having no one to compete with Klopp not there. Then Arne Slot turned up and he found new life 😭"
@BSSLFC wrote: "Little does he know he’s just booked in his stay at the Arne Slot penitentiary for the foreseeable."
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?
City's announcement comes at a time when Guardiola’s side is enduring an uncharacteristic slump. Despite sitting second in the Premier League table with 23 points from 11 games, they trail leaders Liverpool by five points. To compound matters, City are grappling with their worst form in Guardiola’s tenure, having lost four consecutive matches across all competitions. The club hasn’t experienced a similar losing streak since August 2006, when Stuart Pearce was at the helm. Guardiola’s men will face Tottenham at the Etihad in the Premier League on Saturday, hoping to snap their losing streak.