In the aftermath of Arsenal's 0-1 defeat to Monaco today, Arsène Wenger has expressed his surprise at Frank Lampard's loan deal with Manchester City, which will last until MLS begins next February, allowing the midfielder to maintain match shaprness before taking his place with the Citizens' sister franchise, New York City.
Said Wenger:
"It’s a surprise, after all the statements we heard. But it looks like all these ‘City’ clubs are going to feed the main club, Man City.
"I’ve heard that they want to buy five clubs all over the world."
Currently, Manchester City part own New York City, Yokohama F-Marinos and Melbourne City. When asked if this practice would bring the integrity of the Premier League into question, Wenger was unsure, but suggested that it may be a way of skirting financial regulations.
He continued:
"They register in the clubs where they put them, and then they can go out on loan. Is this a way of getting around (Financial) Fair Play? I don’t know."
Unsurprisingly, he also said that the Gunners didn't have "a lot of surplus" to be following City's lead in buying up stakes in clubs around the world.
[101greatgoals]
