The latest Premier League news as Arsenal and Chelsea await the final outcome of rivals Manchester City’s 115 charges case
Despite the looming threat of punishment from the Premier League, Manchester City will reportedly have money to spend in January so that they can attempt to catch Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League.
Failure to recognise that a rebuild was required has left the reigning champions far away from the ongoing title battle. Leaders Liverpool have 45 points, third-place Arsenal and fourth-place Chelsea have 36 and 35 respectively, while Pep Guardiola’s side trail in back in sixth with a tally of 31.
It will not be an overnight fix for Man City, though the January transfer window does offer them the small opportunity to wrap up some business and sure up some defensive or midfield frailties.
Arsenal and Chelsea will be hoping they fail to do so, so that a fightback in the second half of the season does not occur.
However, The Daily Mail report that Guardiola will in fact have money put aside to purchase players next month.
Even if Man City’s calculations of when a rebuild would be required are proven to have been off, one was always going to be inevitable.
Over the past five years their net transfer spend has been ‘significantly lower’ than their Premier League challengers, displayed most recently as they announced a £73.8m profit for last year – without even including the £64m initial fee received for Julian Alvarez.
But whilst the Gunners and Blues may be fearful of their rival fixing their current issues using the player market, there is one overriding problem that may yet have a say on matters.
City – as adamant of their innocence as they have always been – still do not know the outcome of their 115 charges of financial misconduct case against the Premier League.
With the charges actually rising higher closer to 130 due to an update made after initial reports, the Daily Mail’s report states ‘figures within the game are eagerly awaiting to see how much is spent given the backdrop of the hearing’.
The trial in London has now fully concluded, as of December 6, and now an independent panel is reviewing each and every single charge. With some holding more severity than others, punishments could range from as little as financial sanctions or transfer embargoes, right through to retrospective stripped titles, points deductions or enforced relegation.
Therefore it remains to be seen what caution Etihad Stadium chiefs take in the next month as they weigh the on-field problems of today against a potentially cataclysmic verdict heading their way