Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

FFP allegations not putting off Man City as Fabrizio Romano confirms plan to raid Chelsea for top star

Ben Chilwell and Reece James of Chelsea

Ben Chilwell and Reece James pictured before Chelsea game

Manchester City are confident they will be able to avoid any sanctions after they were accused of breaking Financial Fair Play rules on more than 100 occasions, and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Pep Guardiola is actually looking to sign more players this summer.

On Monday, the Premier League charged City with flouting its financial regulations over 100 times. That came after the conclusion of a four-year investigation. Potential punishments vary from a fine to a transfer ban, or even relegation from England’s top flight.

After news of the allegations broke, City sent out the following club statement: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.

“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.

“As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

During an appearance on The Athletic Football Podcast on Tuesday, City reporter Sam Lee said that City are confident they will fight off the Premier League’s accusations.

And, as suggested in the club statement, they are actually looking forward to clearing their name. This will prevent rival Prem and European teams from claiming they have cheated when being so successful in recent years.

Guardiola has full trust in the City hierarchy to resolve the situation. His quote from 2019, in which he said he will leave if City lie to him, has been circulating online. Although, Lee believes Guardiola has put his faith in City officials following the FFP news breaking.

Man City want Chelsea star, says Fabrizio Romano

And City are so confident they will not face any kind of punishment that they are actually getting to work on potential summer arrivals.

The reigning Premier League champions have supposedly struck up an interest in Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell. And trusted reporter Romano has confirmed this is the case.

During an interview with CaughtOffside, he said: “Ben Chilwell is one of the players who has been appreciated by Manchester City for years.

“For sure, he’s one of the left-backs to consider. But I’m told [he’s] not the only one. They will have a shortlist of players in that position and will decide how to proceed together with Pep in May or June.”

Of course, City are searching for a new left-back after allowing Joao Cancelo to join Bayern on loan in January.

Ben Chilwell could replace Cancelo at City

Cancelo had become unhappy with his lack of playing time at City since the World Cup. This is why they let him go. Bayern have the option to buy the Portuguese permanently in the summer for €70million (£61.5m). And that is highly likely to happen as Cancelo does not want to return to City.

Guardiola does have a few players who can operate at left-back, namely Nathan Ake, Rico Lewis and Sergio Gomez. But Ake has spent most of his career playing at centre-half, while Lewis and Gomez are still developing.

As such, it makes sense that Guardiola wants an experienced player to arrive in the position. And in Chilwell, he would be getting a Premier League-ready defender who is good in the final third, too.

City’s ability to sign players is still uncertain. If they lose the battle with the Premier League then they could be given a transfer ban.

But if City triumph and are able to strengthen their squad further this summer, then a bid may be launched for Chilwell.

Meanwhile, one of City’s most important players might leave for La Liga at the end of the season.