Arsene Wenger concerned by Manchester City club ownership

Arsene Wenger has said that he is worried that Manchester City could be using their ownership of other clubs to get around UEFA's financial fair play rules.

The Premier League champions announced that Frank Lampard will spend six months on loan at the Etihad Stadium after joining MLS side New York City FC, which was set up by the Citizens.

The Arsenal manager told Sky Sports News: "It is a surprise. After the statements we hear it is a surprise but it looks like all of these 'City' clubs will feed the main club Man City, I heard they want to buy five clubs all over the world.

"I don't know the rules well enough but they brought a franchise for $100m to play in the States next season. At the moment the players they sign cannot play until next year so they will register them in the clubs where they put them and they can get out on loan.

"Is it a way to get around the fair-play? I don't know. We are happy to dedicate the money to just run our club, there is not a lot of surplus to run other clubs."

City's ownership also purchased the majority share in A-League side Melbourne Heart, which has since changed its name to Melbourne City.