Pep Guardiola piles more misery on Arsenal after beating Mikel Arteta to stunning transfer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has once again outmanoeuvred his nemesis Mikel Arteta by beating him to the signing of Chelsea youngster Ryan McAidoo, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners were believed to be nearing the signing of 16-year-old McAidoo from Chelsea for several months and were considered the favourites to secure the young player's services.

However, just as has been the case in the Premier League for the last two seasons, Guardiola’s City have come from nowhere to secure the move.

Guardiola has built a reputation for being able to get the best from young players, and the success of players like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis has been a real driving force for young talents looking to take their careers to the next level.

McAidoo has only made four appearances for Chelsea in the U18 Premier League so far, but he has also represented England at the U17 level, playing twice against Northern Ireland and Hungary in the European Championship qualifiers.

The 16-year-old is viewed as an ideal Pep Guardiola signing in the long term, with incredible ball control, an eye for a good pass, and a keen attitude to take on board instructions.

Chelsea are looking to sell players for pure profit, with the likes of Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah on the chopping block as they aim to streamline their finances and build a team capable of sustaining itself.

This summer, they have already succeeded in selling Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall, and Omari Hutchinson. Hutchinson became the record signing for Ipswich Town, the first time in 22 years that they have signed a player for over £10 million.

Hutchinson’s deal, around £22 million, reflects the newly promoted Premier League side’s ambition to strengthen and stay in the top league.