Pep Guardiola urged to avoid repeating his double Man City transfer 'mistake'

Manchester City should "never" allow Kalvin Phillips to sign for Premier League rivals Arsenal - after Pep Guardiola twice made the same transfer "mistake" last summer.

That's the message from ex-City and Arsenal man - Gael Clichy - after Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus were both allowed to join the Gunners last season. Those two players helped Arsenal compete for the title before it was City who retained the trophy for the third year running.

Speculation over Phillips remains at fever pitch, meanwhile, with the former Leeds United midfielder struggling to hold down a regular place in the City team since his £45million switch last summer. The 27-year-old has only made five starts for the club in all competitions.

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Speaking to Genting Casino, former City defender Clichy said: "Manchester City will never let Kalvin Phillips go to Arsenal as they already let Zinchenko and Jesus depart. It's a weird situation and we're talking about a player who, only a few years ago, was the best midfielder outside the top six clubs.

"Phillips has had injury issues and an apparent weight problem, but there's no doubt about his quality. In a way, it's easier to play for Leeds United as there isn't that same expectation.

"You need to produce quality every day [at City] and be the best professional you can be. I can list 100 players who play well with no pressure on them, but not all of them can be a success at a top club. Phillips has had two seasons, and there are some question marks if he can perform on a daily basis for a club like City."

Clichy added: "I can't see him going to Arsenal and, if Phillips drops down to a