BLUES FUMING AT ARSENAL BID FOR ART
CITY FUMING OVER ARSENAL’S CONDUCT IN BID TO MAKE ARTETA THEIR NEW BOSS
CITY are furious at the way Arsenal have tried to woo Pep Guardiola’s assistant Mikel Arteta.
And the Blues - who have still had no formal contact from the Gunners over the possible move - will demand the full seven-figure compensation fee for the Spaniard.
Arteta took City training yesterday, despite the fact two Arsenal executives were spotted leaving his Manchester home in the early hours.
City sources indicate they have no beef with Arteta over the matter Guardiola has already told him that if he wants to go, they will not stand in his way.
But they are angry Arsenal have directly approached Arteta without contacting them first, even though executives from both clubs mingled in the directors’ box just hours earlier as the Blues won 3-0 at the Emirates.
Guardiola had expressed his belief that Arteta would see out this season, but the Gunners want a solution now after sacking Unai Emery last month.
Arteta is believed to be ready to make the move but has not yet told City of his decision.
City’s top brass are fuming, as they feel the way the London club has gone about their business is at odds with the image they like to portray as a classy, traditionalist club who do things the right way.
Given that City have made it plain that they would not stand in Arteta’s way, the Blues are mystified at the way they have conducted themselves.
Meanwhile, Kevin de Bruyne says Arteta will leave with the blessing of the City squad if he does take the Arsenal job.
“He is helping us a lot, but if he gets a good opportunity to be a head coach, and he thinks it’s time for him to take that, I think as a club you need to let somebody go,” said the Belgian ace.
“You want to grow as a head coach, I guess. If he doesn’t, it’s his decision, but why, otherwise, start coaching in that way?
“Whatever he wants to do, you have to do it - if you want to grow you need to take opportunities when they come.”