Arsenal ‘planning’ £200m legal claim after Man City 115-charge verdict

Arsenal are reportedly among several Premier League clubs considering legal action against Manchester City following the verdict in the league’s financial rules case.

Arsenal are awaiting the outcome of Manchester City’s appeal after City were reportedly found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them for alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.

The verdict could have significant consequences for City, although the club remains entitled to appeal. A punishment hearing could still take place relatively quickly, but the wider appeal process may not finish until after the end of the season.

A range of sanctions could be considered, including a fine, points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. As relayed by Football.London, The Times has also reported that City could potentially be stripped of Premier League titles won during the period covered by the alleged breaches, between 2009 and 2018, although that outcome is described as unlikely.

For Arsenal, the situation could have financial implications beyond any sporting punishment imposed on City.

According to The Independent, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham have preserved their right to pursue compensation for losses they believe they suffered as a result of City’s success. The clubs are reportedly now “planning” legal action, with a potential claim worth as much as £200 million.

The potential claim could cover more than direct financial losses. The report suggests legal action could also centre on a “loss of chance” in subsequent seasons.

Arsenal finished second behind City in the Premier League in 2022/23 and 2023/24, while Liverpool were runners-up in 2013/14 and Manchester United finished second in 2011/12 and 2017/18. City also qualified for the Champions League throughout the relevant period.

Read More: What Mikel Arteta said about Manchester City’s 115 charges during his time at Arsenal

For Arsenal, any successful claim could potentially include bonuses and additional Premier League earnings that may have accompanied winning the title in those campaigns.

However, any legal action would have to wait until the Premier League case and subsequent appeals have been exhausted.

The situation also has a direct connection to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard spent three years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City between 2016 and 2019 before leaving to become Arsenal head coach in December 2019.

City have consistently denied wrongdoing and, following the latest reports, reiterated that the process remains ongoing.

“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.

“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence.”

In their February 2023 statement, City said they were “surprised” by the Premier League’s decision to bring the charges and welcomed scrutiny by an independent commission.

The club added that it welcomed an independent review to “impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.”

With City expected to appeal, Arsenal and the other clubs involved must now wait for the legal process to reach its conclusion before any potential compensation claims can formally proceed.