Gary Neville stunned as Pep Guardiola exit news leaves Man City 'extremely disappointed'

Gary Neville admitted he was left stunned after reports of Pep Guardiola's impending departure from Manchester City emerged in the middle of Monday night's Premier League coverage.

The bombshell news broke during Arsenal's tense 1-0 victory over Burnley, a result that moved Mikel Arteta's side five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and piled the pressure on City ahead of Tuesday's clash with Bournemouth.

Guardiola is poised to walk away this summer despite still having one year remaining on his contract, bringing the curtain down on a glorious decade at the Etihad Stadium.

Former City assistant and current Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is understood to be the leading candidate to replace him.

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The timing of the revelation caught Neville completely off guard.

"I'm really surprised that's broken right now," the former Manchester United defender said on commentary.

"Just because it's during this match. Because it's the night before a Man City game.

"Such huge moments in football and this would be something similar. I don't see how it would be news that Man City want out.

"I'm surprised. If it is true, Man City will be extremely disappointed that it's broken right now. So will Guardiola."

Even Arsenal's crucial win, secured by Kai Havertz, was overshadowed by the shock development.

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Guardiola has repeatedly insisted he intended to honour the final year of his deal, but speculation over his future has intensified dramatically.

In another sign that the club are preparing for the end of an era, discussions are underway over naming City's newly expanded North Stand after Guardiola.

The redevelopment will be unveiled on Sunday, and many supporters believe the stand should bear the manager's name as a permanent tribute to the most successful coach in the club's history.

Guardiola has downplayed the prospect, insisting memories matter more than monuments.

"They don't have to do anything, honestly," he said.

"The important thing in our lives is when you look back and say 'wow' and you can do it with a big smile."

Since arriving in 2016, Guardiola has transformed City into a dominant force at home and abroad.

He has won 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League crown.

City have already added the FA Cup and EFL Cup to their collection this season, taking Guardiola's total haul to 20 honours.

Should Tuesday's result go against them, City's title hopes will be over, with Arsenal poised to win the league.

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