Pep Guardiola has aimed a cheeky dig at Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea having outspent his Manchester City this summer.

Liverpool splash cash this summerMan Utd and Arsenal follow suitGuardiola aims spending dig at rivalsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

This summer, Liverpool have spent around €340 million (£295m) on transfers, Chelsea are the Premier League's second-biggest spenders at approximately €280m (£243m), Arsenal will not be far off €300m when they sign Eberechi Eze, and United have exceeded €225m (£195m). By contrast, City have paid around €177m (£153m), but they did fork out more than £130m ($176m) on players in January. But that hasn't stopped Guardiola poking fun at City's rivals.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

He told reporters: "I don't know, but the clubs spend with the strict financial rules [of PSR] and they will only spend if they can do it. Apparently It's not just Manchester City [who are spending]. Everyone does what they believe is the best for the team. I know our net spend for the last 10-11 years is amazing. You don't spend if you don't sell. We have been really good, that's why they're sustainable."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

City have been one of the biggest spenders during their unprecedented success over the past decade or so, but their net spend is much smaller than some of the aforementioned teams. This window, however, a record £2.37bn ($3.2bn) has been paid out by top-flight clubs in England – the most in a single transfer window. This outlay may not be sustainable but it could lead to a very competitive title race this season.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

With just over a week to go of the transfer window, more big spending could occur, especially amid Liverpool's efforts to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. Before then, City host Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.