Arteta looks set to be back at the Emirates by the weekend(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The previous day City had beaten Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates, and there had been no mention of an approach between boards during the Premier League clash.
However, (Guardiola) insisted he was not surprised by the furtive negotiations – saying Arteta had been honest with him throughout Arsenal’s courtship of him.
Guardiola said : “Mikel was honest with me, he explained everything that happened, the steps but after that I didn’t ask what you want to do.
“ I don ‘t want to be involved. I am a guy that likes the people live with freedom and do what you want.
********************** Ex-midfielder Arteta is a former Arsenal captain
(Image: PA)
“He knows exactly what we think about him, at the club, after that, we cannot do more. I think the club has done everything and we cannot do any more. ”
The City boss added:“ All the clubs around the world make behind the scenes the first contact, try to avoid the clubs that are in charge so that process is normal.
“All I can say from what I’m concerned is that Mikel was clear with me and that’s all. Perhaps there is a problem with the chairmen and the CEOs – (but) they have to talk to each other. ”
City visit League One promotion chasers Oxford United on Wednesday night targeting a third consecutive Carabao Cup trophy.
Guardiola is losing Arteta but he may soon have Leroy Sane back
(Image:************************************ TF-Images )
David Silva and Sergio Aguero are still out injured, despite the latter having returned to training this week following a thigh injury.
However, there has been good news for City on winger Leroy Sane, who has returned to training on his own.
Guardiola said: “The next step is to get to the pitch and the next round will be to start training with us. ”
Read More
“A full training session is incredibly good news for him and for all of us.”
If Arteta does take the Arsenal job as expected, it is thought he may not be replaced immediately.
(******************************************** ****************************************** (Read More) ******************************************** (**********************************************
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings