“Arsenal will qualify but if only Arteta change this particular thing”: Pep Guardiola has backed Arsenal to knockout PSG but on one condition

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered his take on Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain, backing Mikel Arteta’s side to progress — but only if a crucial tactical adjustment is made.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s own European fixture, Guardiola was asked about Arsenal’s chances of reaching the Champions League final. The Spaniard praised his former assistant for the work he’s done in North London but issued a pointed piece of advice.

“I believe Arsenal have everything it takes to reach the final. The quality is there, the mentality is growing, and they have shown this season they can compete at the very highest level,” Guardiola said.

However, he was quick to highlight one particular flaw he believes could cost Arsenal against the attacking threat of PSG.

“If Mikel wants to knock out a team like Paris, he must control the transitions better. Against teams with Mbappé and Dembélé, if you lose the ball in certain areas, you are dead. It’s the only thing. Defensively they are solid, in possession they are brilliant — but it’s the transitions, the moments when they lose the ball, that can hurt them.”

Guardiola, who guided Manchester City to Champions League glory last season, revealed he had already spoken with Arteta privately, offering him insights from his own experience facing the French champions.

“I told him — don’t give them space. No matter how well you play, if you give Kylian Mbappé 30 meters to run into, good night. That’s the one detail. If Arsenal fix this, they will be in the final.”

Arteta’s Arsenal have impressed in Europe this season, knocking out Bayern Munich to reach the semi-finals, but with PSG’s blistering front three in fine form, Guardiola’s warning comes at a crucial moment.

When asked who he’d like to face in a potential final, Guardiola smiled. “I just hope it’s a good final for football. But if it’s Arsenal, it means my friend Mikel did something special.”

As the countdown to the highly-anticipated clash continues, Arsenal fans will be hoping their manager takes note of Guardiola’s tactical caution — because one lapse in transition could prove fatal against a team built for counter-attacks.