Man City now favourites to sign ‘special’ talent Arsenal thought they could buy this summer

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Manchester City have now moved ahead of Arsenal in pursuit of one of Mikel Arteta’s key targets this summer.

If Arteta was already tired of competing with Pep Guardiola after a long league season, it seems as if both clubs are now eyeing the same block-buster signing.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time the two sides competed in the transfer market of late, given the Declan Rice saga last year.

We’ll never truly know how hard City pushed, but Arsenal fans are content in the knowledge that Rice chose north London, perhaps because he’d be definite first choice.

But that’s unlikely to be a contest Arsenal would like to repeat, not only because they have no desire to be involved in bidding wars, but also because of City’s unrivalled pull.

Both Arteta and Guardiola are faced with the same issue this summer – attempting to improve a squad that won so often, but ultimately endured an underwhelming season.

It’s an odd sentence to say about a team who lifted the Premier League title, but a single trophy isn’t enough for Man City these days.

Man City likely to beat Arsenal to Bruno Guimaraes if he leaves Newcastle

Newcastle United’s ‘special’ midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is certainly a player who could improve both City and Arsenal’s prospects next season – hence why he’s a target of both.

But with Arsenal reluctant to pay Guimaraes’ release clause this summer, journalist Ben Jacobs has explained that City are in pole position if a deal does happen.

Sharing his update on X, Jacobs said City are contemplating a £100m bid.

He explained: “Manchester City remains the most likely destination if Bruno Guimarães leaves Newcastle.

“They currently are the only club contemplating triggering his £100m clause or offering a similar number to it. Contact has already been made with the Guimarães camp, as revealed.

“Arsenal appreciate Guimaraes, but will only proceed if the price drops.

“PSG not actively working on Guimaraes despite historical interest.

“Al-Hilal have discussed triggering the clause, but Guimarães doesn’t want to go to Saudi.

“He is happy at Newcastle, so not pushing to leave, but the clause means an exit can’t be ruled out.”

Of course, TBR Football did recently share what Newcastle had been telling Guimaraes behind the scenes amid all of this interest, a stance that remains unchanged.

Therefore, it seems logical to rule a move to Arsenal out, perhaps just leaving Manchester City in the race.