“If you play that player as your striker and don’t win the League, you can blame me”: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has endorsed Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League, but only if they give this academy striker a starting role.

Pep Guardiola Backs Arsenal for Premier League Glory—On One Condition

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has openly backed Arsenal to win the Premier League this season—provided they make a bold tactical change.

Speaking after City’s latest match, Guardiola advised Mikel Arteta to start playing a specific academy striker as Arsenal’s main forward.

“If you start playing that guy as your striker and fail to win the League, hold me responsible,” Guardiola reportedly told journalists, emphasizing his belief in the young talent’s potential impact.

While he didn’t mention the player’s name, speculation is already swirling around Arsenal’s Hale End academy prospects, with fans debating which youngster has caught Guardiola’s attention.

This unexpected endorsement comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, who are locked in a fierce title race with City and Liverpool. Despite a strong squad and impressive performances, the Gunners have struggled with consistency in front of goal, particularly with injuries and form issues affecting their attacking options. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have been inconsistent, while Kai Havertz has been deployed as a false nine with mixed results.

Guardiola’s advice suggests he sees a hidden gem in Arsenal’s ranks—someone who could provide the cutting edge they need to outscore their rivals.

Some fans believe he is referring to 19-year-old striker Chido Obi-Martin, who has been prolific for Arsenal’s youth teams, while others think it could be Khayon Edwards or Ethan Nwaneri.

Mikel Arteta, who spent years as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, has yet to respond to the tactical suggestion. However, given their close relationship, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Arsenal boss takes the advice seriously.

The football world is now watching closely—will Arteta take the risk and trust an academy striker in the title run-in? If so, and Arsenal go on to lift the Premier League trophy, Guardiola’s prediction will become one of the boldest and most accurate in recent history. But if Arsenal stick with their current forwards and fall short, questions will be asked about whether Arteta missed a golden opportunity.

With just months left in the season, Arsenal fans now have even more reason to keep a close eye on team selections. Could a young star emerge as the key to their long-awaited Premier League triumph? Only time will tell.