MIKEL Arteta admits there will be “a strange feeling” in the Arsenal tonight (Friday) when he pits his wits against close friend Pep Guardiola.

Arsenal and Manchester City lock horns for the first time this season in what promises to be a blockbuster showdown in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Arteta was, of course, Guardiola’s assistant for three-and-a-half years at City before taking charge of the Gunners in 2019, so returning to the Etihad is always a special occasion for the Spaniard.

This time around, however, there will be an added edge. Arteta described City as “the best team in the world”, but it is the north Londoners boasting a five-point advantage at the top of the Premier League table with two games in hand over the defending champions.

Reflecting on what is an unexpected title rivalry, Arteta said: “I would prefer to do it against someone else to be fair, because I want the best for him. When you are challenging with someone like this, something comes in between, so it’s s a strange feeling.

“I always hoped that [a title challenge] was going to be the case one day, and it’s happening this season, but that’s not going to change any friendship or the moments that we have, how important he is in my life or how important he is in my profession.

“We are both willing to win and defend our clubs in the best possible way, and that has always been the case since day one.”

Arsenal and City will meet again at the Emirates Stadium next month in the first of two Premier League meetings, so many are watching in great anticipation to see which of these two teams will gain a psychological advantage tonight. Arteta, though, shrugged off such suggestions.

“I think there are going to be two very, very different games, and to put similarities into them is very unreal,” said the Gunners boss.

“Let’s see. Obviously it is important to win and play well. That gives you more momentum, more confidence and prepares you better for the next match, and that’s our focus on Friday.”

Meanwhile, having already spent more than £40million adding Belgian winger Leandro Trossard and Poland defender Jakub Kiwior to his squad, Arteta admits that – with four days left in the transfer window – Arsenal are still searching for at least one more signing.

Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda is one name being linked to a last-minute move to north London, while Arteta added: “We need some more cover in midfield ideally, if we can, but in this market it is pretty complicated to do that.

“If anything else is available that can make us better, we’ll look at it.”