Arteta Refuses to Comment on Guardiola’s Reported Manchester City Exit After Arsenal Beat Burnley

Mikel Arteta declined to be drawn into speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola’s reported exit from Manchester City, insisting that any public response would have to wait until the Spaniard formally confirms his decision.

“I cannot comment on that. I think the day that he decides to stay or leave, then we can comment,” Arteta said, when pressed for his reaction to reports that his long-time mentor and now Premier League rival is set to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current season.

The question was posed to Arteta following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday night — a result that significantly strengthened the Gunners’ position in the Premier League title race. News of Guardiola’s impending departure broke during the match itself, adding an unexpected backdrop to what was already a high-stakes evening for Arsenal.

As of the time of writing, neither Guardiola nor Manchester City have issued an official statement on the matter. According to reports, the 55-year-old manager is expected to announce his departure shortly after City’s final league fixture against Aston Villa. Sources suggest the announcement could come imminently once that game concludes.

Should Guardiola leave, it would mark the end of a remarkable ten-year tenure at the Etihad — one that has already produced 20 trophies. This season alone, City have claimed the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, the latter secured last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley. Despite that domestic cup success, the Premier League title has so far eluded City this campaign, with Arsenal holding a commanding position in the standings heading into the final fixtures.

City face a trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday evening, with the London club — who are chasing a Champions League place — standing between them and a potential title lifeline. Arsenal, however, remain firmly in control of their own destiny.

The relationship between Arteta and Guardiola runs deep. The Arsenal manager spent over three years working under Guardiola as part of his coaching staff at Manchester City before taking charge at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019. That apprenticeship under one of football’s most celebrated tacticians has been widely credited with shaping Arteta’s managerial philosophy.

Enzo Maresca, another former member of Guardiola’s coaching setup, is reportedly the frontrunner to succeed him at Manchester City. Maresca was dismissed by Chelsea in January, and sources suggest he is being lined up to take over at the Etihad. His familiarity with Guardiola’s methods and tactical principles is believed to make him an attractive candidate for the role.

If confirmed, Guardiola’s exit would represent one of the most significant managerial departures in Premier League history. His time at City transformed the club into a domestic and European powerhouse, culminating in the 2022-23 treble — a season in which they won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. His departure will inevitably raise questions about City’s long-term competitiveness, particularly as Arsenal continue to close the gap at the top of English football.