“For the first time, I’ve found myself truly impressed by a Hale End player. This boy isn’t just talented — he’s exceptional, and since Arteta no longer seems to recognize his value, I’m determined to sign him this summer,” Pep Guardiola revealed, naming the ONE Arsenal academy star he’s targeting — and it’s neither Nwaneri nor Skelly.

BREAKING NEWS: For the very first time, Pep Guardiola has openly admitted admiration for a player emerging from Arsenal’s famous Hale End academy. Describing the youngster as not just talented but exceptional, the Manchester City manager has reportedly vowed to bring him to the Etihad this summer.

In a surprising twist, it’s neither Ethan Nwaneri nor Myles Lewis-Skelly — names often linked with potential moves — but another Arsenal prospect who has caught Guardiola’s attention, as the Spanish coach feels Mikel Arteta no longer values the player’s abilities.

As Manchester City prepare for life without Kevin De Bruyne, the club is actively searching for a worthy successor to the Belgian midfield maestro. De Bruyne, who narrowly missed scoring in his final home game at the Etihad, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy.

A Champions League and multiple Premier League titles winner, De Bruyne also holds the joint record for the highest number of assists in a Premier League season, a feat he shares with Thierry Henry.

Guardiola paid an emotional tribute to De Bruyne after his farewell appearance, ranking him among the very best players the club has ever had. The City boss described the midfielder as uniquely gifted, particularly in the final third of the pitch, praising his goal and assist contributions that helped define an era at Manchester City.

With De Bruyne’s departure now confirmed and a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz looking increasingly unlikely, City have reportedly turned their attention to a player much closer to home.

According to reports from The Boot Room, Guardiola’s side is preparing a surprise bid for Arsenal academy star Ethan Nwaneri. The teenage midfielder, currently valued at £84 million, has yet to commit to a long-term deal at the Emirates, despite having turned 18.

Nwaneri’s performances have not gone unnoticed. He notably scored Arsenal’s fifth goal in a commanding 5-1 victory over Manchester City earlier this season, impressing Guardiola in the process. Losing such a promising talent to a Premier League rival would be a significant blow for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, especially given their previous experiences with players like Kolo Toure and Samir Nasri making similar switches.

Arteta himself has heaped praise on Nwaneri, calling him calm, fearless, and exceptionally composed for his age. The teenager’s Champions League goal this season further cemented his status as one of English football’s brightest young talents.