Pep's Cheeky Quadruple Dig at Arsenal as Kroenke Lands for Transfer Talks and Arteta Deal

Picture this: Pep Guardiola fielding questions about Arsenal's mad dash for the quadruple, and instead of nodding politely, he drops a truth bomb that leaves journos scrambling. Ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final, the Manchester City gaffer reminded everyone he's already bagged that haul – domestic style, mind you – while the media conveniently forgets. It's classic Pep: equal parts genius, equal parts grumpy uncle at the pub.

Guardiola's 'Forgotten' Quad and Shield Shenanigans

The chat kicked off with a journo pointing out City's treble as the closest anyone's got to glory overload. Pep pauses, inhales dramatically, then fires back: "And quadruple as well." He's bang on about 2018-19, when City scooped the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and that oft-maligned Community Shield. Sure, they tumbled out of the Champions League quarters to a plucky Tottenham, but four pots still ain't shabby.

Pep's long harboured a grudge over the Shield's status – that pre-season curtain-raiser between champs and Cup winners. "When we win it, it's not a trophy," he's moaned before. "When others do, it is." Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, his former assistant, clearly drank the Kool-Aid, treating it like silverware too. No English side's nailed the full quad – PL, CL, FA Cup, Carabao – but the Gunners are dreaming big after a barren spell.

City's own quad dreams? Smashed by Real Madrid in the CL last-16. Timing's everything, eh? Pep wasn't here to cheer Arsenal's hypotheticals.

Arteta and Pep: From Mates to Rivals

These two go way back – Arteta idolised Pep from his Barcelona days, then assisted at City. Now? It's all business. "No time for London jaunts or Manchester meet-ups," Pep shrugged. Arteta echoed the sentiment: feelings unchanged, but distance bites. The respect's mutual, forged in daily grind, now tested in title scraps.

Arteta's turned Arsenal into contenders since 2019, chasing City's shadow. Their head-to-head at Wembley? Pure theatre, like old sparring partners lacing up gloves.

Kroenke's Cup Final Pitstop: Transfers and Arteta Extension

Meanwhile, Arsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke's touched down in Blighty, not just for the final seats. As reported by Steve Pearson at TEAMtalk, he's got a packed agenda: huddles with sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta on summer blueprint. After splashing cash sans major silverware (bar 2020 FA Cup and Shield), expect sales to balance books – think big names potentially out the door.

Still, incomers eyed for full-back, central midfield, and left wing. Arteta's contract? Top priority. One year left, on £15m-a-year terms; a new deal to 2027+ would bump that, rewarding his elite status. Arsenal go in as faves – could this kick off a trophy haul?

The Gunners' last big win feels ancient history. Wembley showdown with City? Perfect chance to rewrite it. Kroenke's not hanging about – straight to deals post-whistle.

City-Arsenal finals always deliver drama. Pep's quad flex? Fuel for the fire. Grab your scarf, it's Wembley o'clock.