Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has claimed that his club has more "appeal" than Manchester City.
The German outfit have won eight league titles, while City have scooped four top-flight crowns in their history.
The Premier League outfit lead the way in spending power, though, as they have the financial backing of Abu Dhabi billionaires.
Watzke recognises City's clout in the market, but he has launched a dig at Pep Guardiola's side, who recently recruited Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
"Simply, there are five clubs in the world who offer more in terms of appeal and financial power," Watzke told reporters. "But when it comes to appeal, we certainly have more than Manchester City, you can state that clearly."
As well as Gundogan, Dortmund have lost key players Mats Hummels and Henrikh Mkhitaryan this summer.