Manchester City are baffled about Arsenal’s apparent belief that they will unveil Mikel Arteta as their manager in the next 48 hours.
Blues boss Pep Guardiola said there was “no news” after his assistant worked alongside him as they came through a difficult Carabao Cup quarter-final at Oxford 3-1.
But City sources have been denying reports that the Gunners have done a deal with City, and are ready to reveal him as the successor to Unai Emery.
One said: “It’s surprising to hear that plans are being made by Arsenal to unveil our coach as their head coach on Friday on the basis that no contact has been made by the club to discuss this matter. ”
Talk has been rife in London all day that Arsenal have agreed a deal with Arteta, and that they had also negotiated a compensation package with City.
The Blues want a seven-figure fee for Arteta, and will not stand in his way if he indicates he wants to go.
But they are furious, because they say there has STILL been no contact from the Gunners.
Guardiola made it plain he is fed up of being asked about Arteta’s situation, saying: “He’s been with us for three and a half seasons. Nothing changes, we prepare the game as best as possible, before and during.
“I don’t have any comment, there is no news. Yesterday I had 48 questions about Mikel - when there’s news I will answer it but there’s no news.”
