Guardiola tips 'on fire' Arteta to be main rival

City boss says it gets 'more and more difficult' to keep Gunners at bay in title race - and is also expecting United to be challengers

- PHIL CASEY

PEP Guardiola believes Premier League title rivals Arsenal are 'on fire' ahead of the new campaign as they bid to end City's reign as champions.

Mikel Arteta's side pushed the Blues all the way in last season's title race, which went down to the final day and saw the top two separated by just two points.

The Gunners have since strengthened their squad with the signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and also recorded an impressive 4-1 win over German champions Bayer Leverkusen in a recent pre-season friendly.