Manchester City were caught by surprise after Arsenal announced the appointment of Mikel Arteta without informing the Premier League champions.
City had already been left furious by the Gunners’ conduct during negotiations with Pep Guardiola’s assistant after talks were held without an official approach.
And they were dismayed when Arteta was confirmed just moments after Guardiola spoke to the media on Friday afternoon.
It is standard procedure for clubs to co-ordinate such announcements in instances such as player transfers.
As a result, City were unable to send out a timely message of good luck to Arteta, as would usually be the case with a departing member of staff.
City are not expected to make any official complaint over Arsenal’s actions during their pursuit of Unai Emery’s successor - but their general conduct is in danger of threatening future dealings between the clubs.
Responding to Arteta’s exit, Guardiola said: “He decided to move there. You cannot stop it, follow your dreams and Arsenal was a big part of his career.
“We wish him all the best I’m pretty sure he will do a great job.”
