Pep Guardiola has denied that a rift has developed in his relationship with Mikel Arteta despite a number of bruising encounters between his Manchester City team and Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola insisted his relationship with Mikel Arteta is “exceptional” as he shrugged off suggestions Manchester City ’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday is a grudge match. The Catalan also said City may carry on spending, despite paying out £122m in the January transfer window to bring three players to the Etihad Stadium.

Arteta faces a number of big calls when it comes to his team selection. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who actually made his debut in the reverse fixture at the Etihad in September, is available after his red card from last weekend’s win at Wolves was overturned.