After watching his display against Ipswich yesterday, I genuinely can’t understand why he’s being benched. If Arsenal don’t want him, let him join Man City — we’ll show you what he’s really capable of!” — Pep Guardiola expresses surprise at Arteta’s choice to sideline a standout performer, hinting it’s neither Trossard nor Kiwior.
BREAKING: Pep Guardiola Questions Arteta’s Decision to Bench Arsenal Star – Hints at Man City Move
In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly expressed confusion over Mikel Arteta’s decision to bench a top-performing Arsenal player. After watching the player’s impressive performance against Ipswich, Guardiola didn’t hold back his thoughts.
Watching his performance yesterday against Ipswich, I just can’t understand why they’re benching him,” Guardiola said in a post-match interview. “If Arsenal don’t want him, let him come to Man City, and we’ll show you the magic!”
Though Guardiola didn’t mention the player’s name directly, he made it clear that he wasn’t referring to Trossard or Kiwior—two players who have also faced inconsistent minutes under Arteta. This has sparked massive speculation among fans and pundits alike, as many try to decipher which Arsenal star has caught the eye of the City boss.
The unnamed player put on a brilliant display in the recent Ipswich match, showcasing quality, composure, and a spark that Arsenal has sometimes lacked in recent games. His absence from the starting XI in key fixtures has left fans puzzled and now, it seems, even rival managers are questioning Arteta’s judgment.
The comments from Guardiola have only intensified the pressure on Mikel Arteta, who is already under scrutiny for his rotation decisions during crucial matches this season. With Arsenal fighting to maintain their place among the top teams in the league, overlooking a high-performing player could prove costly—not just in results, but in player retention.
There’s growing concern within the Arsenal fanbase that if Arteta continues to sideline him, the player might seek opportunities elsewhere—possibly even at Manchester City. “ARTETA REALLY NEEDS TO START PLAYING HIM NOW,” one fan tweeted, “IF NOT WE MIGHT LOSE HIM IN THE SUMMER TRANSFER.”
The summer transfer window is fast approaching, and top clubs are already circling. Guardiola’s comment may have been a light-hearted jab, or it could be a subtle hint at a serious interest.
One thing is clear: Arsenal may need to act quickly or risk losing a valuable asset to a direct rival. Fans now wait to see if Arteta will respond—with words or with action on the pitch.
This kind of subtle but *pointed comment* from Pep Guardiola is bound to **stir the pot** — especially when it involves a direct rival like Arsenal. His “let him come to Man City” line is both cheeky and strategic. Pep knows exactly what he’s doing.
### Who Could Guardiola Be Referring To?
Based on recent games and fan speculation, there are **three likely suspects**:
1. **Emile Smith Rowe** – He was excellent against Ipswich but has barely featured in key league matches.
– **Homegrown talent**, technically gifted, and when fully fit, can be electric.
– A frustrating bench role all season long may be wearing him down.
2. **Reiss Nelson** – Another standout in the cup game, but often overlooked despite consistently performing when given the chance.
3. **Fabio Vieira** – When he’s played, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, yet Arteta seems reluctant to trust him in the league.
### Why It Matters:
– Guardiola *publicly praising* a rival’s benchwarmer is rare — and often a calculated move.
– It could be a **tactical nudge to unsettle the player** or spark a conversation behind the scenes.
– It also indirectly puts **pressure on Arteta** to justify his squad management.
### Arsenal’s Dilemma:
– With the **summer transfer window looming**, fringe players could be tempted by more game time elsewhere — and City sniffing around would be a nightmare.
– Losing someone like Smith Rowe to a rival would be not just a **talent drain**, but a **fanbase morale hit**.
If Pep’s words were more than playful, Arsenal need to act — **either reintegrate the player into the XI** or brace for bids, possibly even a controversial one from the Etihad.
Who do you think Pep was really talking about — and should Arteta be worried?
