Manchester City set to provide clearest hint yet over 130 charges outcome as Arsenal watch on
Over the next few weeks, Manchester City may have the chance to further prove their innocence over the 130 financial charges they have been accused of. The legal case against the Premier League concluded nearly one month ago but it is unlikely a final verdict arrives until the middle of 2025.
Across a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018, City are accused of financial wrongdoing and are believed to be in breach of 130 rules. Despite that, the reigning Premier League champions vehemently deny they have broken FFP rules.
City did secure a small victory in the midst of their eight-week case after challenging the Premier League's Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules in which an arbitration panel found that some aspects of the rules were unlawful.
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Alongside those battles off the pitch, Pep Guardiola and his players are struggling on the pitch with the recent win over Leicester City just their second victory from 14 games in all competitions. City have been ravaged by injuries this season which makes January arrivals a real possibility.
Guardiola hinted at exactly that following the 2-0 win against the Foxes as he named the two positions which need strengthening. “In some positions we need help,” he said. “I thought our central defenders would be fit all season but we have struggled. Holding midfielders and central defenders, we need.”
The absence of Rodri has been a major blow with Mateo Kovacic also having been absent for a period. Elsewhere, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji all having missed action due to injury. With that in mind, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov is on their January list.
That update follows on from The Daily Mail reporting that Guardiola would have money put aside to bring in new signings this month. Given City's activity, it certainly suggests that they remain confident of not being punished for breaking any financial rules.
