Arsenal could look to capitalise on Manchester City's financial charges verdict, with Mikel Arteta potentially handed a major opportunity to raid the Premier League champions

Arsenal could look to capitalise on Manchester City's ongoing financial case, with at least two or three players potentially having Mikel Arteta 'straight on the phone.' City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them by an independent commission following an investigation into their finances between 2009 and 2018.

The club was ruled to have breached all the financial rules relating to the charges, alongside most of the allegations concerning their failure to co-operate with the investigation. City continue to deny any wrongdoing and have appealed against the verdict, with potential sanctions set to be considered at a later hearing.

As the Premier League returns this weekend, City face Liverpool at Anfield, with the club likely to remain under scrutiny from rival supporters amid the ongoing controversy. Questions also remain over the potential punishment they could face, with relegation among the possible outcomes being discussed should the verdict stand.

However, City have consistently maintained their innocence, insisting they possess compelling evidence to clear their name. The 2023/24 Premier League champions confirmed on Friday that they had submitted an appeal before the deadline, claiming to have a 'comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence' in their defence.

Speculation has also mounted over the futures of City's biggest stars should the club face expulsion from the top flight, with rival teams potentially ready to take advantage of the situation. According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal currently have 'greater pulling power' than any other club in Europe, and Arteta could reportedly look to recruit 'at least two or three' members of Enzo Maresca's squad.

Speaking to former Manchester United Teddy Sheringham, he said: "Arsenal will get first pick even ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid because they are top of the pile at the moment, and they're only going from strength to strength. Mikel Arteta is doing what Sir Alex Ferguson used to, going out and buying players when he’s already on top, and keeping that continuity within the football club. We’ve seen that with Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes.

"They are two outstanding signings that keep the ball rolling and keep Arsenal moving forward. Arteta will have his eye on at least two or three Manchester City players. He’ll know a lot of them from working at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant. Erling Haaland? Rayan Cherki? Antoine Semenyo? He’ll be straight on the phone now seeing what’s possible.

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"That’s what Sir Alex Ferguson would have done. He’d have broached the subject immediately. Think about the amount of top Scousers he wanted to sign from Liverpool over the years. Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler.

"If Fergie was still the manager, he would ask the question. Whether Erling Haaland would look at Manchester United and think they’re not good enough for him, that's another question."

The wait now continues for the appeal's outcome, which will be overseen by an independent three-person panel, with a ruling anticipated before the end of the year.

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