Man City are going on the attack in the transfer market.
Manchester City's astonishing expenditure of over £1billion is being interpreted as a decisive indicator that the football heavyweights have triumphed in their legal battle with the Premier League.
The Etihad Stadium outfit are splashing out on a recruitment drive that could see as many as six fresh faces marching in this month, forking out a staggering £250million.
Pep Guardiola's side have also sealed a whopping £240million new deal with star Erling Haaland, promising him a hefty £500,000 weekly wage for the coming ten years. Meanwhile, the club's Abu Dhabi and American financiers have already shelled out a cool £300million to build a new stand, a plush hotel, and a leisure hub at the stadium's north precincts.
Not to mention, they've poured funds into the colossal £450million Co-op Live arena, Britain's largest concert venue sporting room for 20,500 fans. Yet, this spending unfolds even as City find themselves locked in a tussle with the Premier League, after being hit with 130 charges over financial misconduct allegations - a battle that could see them kicked out of the league if an independent commission finds them guilty.
A three-judge panel wrapped up deliberations just before the festive period, and are expected to deliver their verdict come springtime. City's lavish outlay, within legal circles, is being seen as a positive sign for the club.
One legal source told the Mirror: "It would be a huge shock if City’s owners decided to bankroll such a massive programme of investment if they were about to be relegated from the Premier League.
Erling Haaland recently penned a bumper nine-and-a-half year contract with City (Image: Getty)
"Spending heavily in the transfer market and handing Haaland a new contract suggest that they feel they have cleared themselves of at least the most serious allegations. It is hard to see a different scenario."
Guardiola revealed he had prior knowledge of Haaland's contract extension before Christmas, stating: "I knew Erling had signed the contract 20 days ago. He signed two or three weeks ago."
With deals nearing completion for Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush, Lens' Abdukodir Khusanov, Palmeiras' Vitor Reis and Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso at a total cost of almost £190million, City will also seek to sign a new midfielder to replace the injured Rodri.
Guardiola expressed his optimism, saying: "It might not be our best season, but I have the same feeling that I had when we had success. This is a good place to be."
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