Arsenal in contact over Haaland as City star faces uncertain future

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Arsenal have made contact with Erling Haaland's representatives as the Norwegian's long-term future at Manchester City is thrown into doubt following the club's guilty verdict on 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges, according to reports.

City were found guilty over the international break after being accused of breaching the Premier League's financial fair play rules. The club have immediately appealed the decision and continue to deny any wrongdoing, but speculation has already begun over potential punishments, with some reports suggesting expulsion from the Premier League as a worst-case scenario.

That uncertainty has fuelled talk over which players might leave City if the verdict is upheld, with Haaland's name repeatedly mentioned. Football365 report that Arsenal have already reached out to Haaland's camp to position themselves among the suitors should he decide to leave the Etihad.

Shearer's record could be a factor

Football Insider journalist Pete O'Rourke has suggested Arsenal's pursuit could be helped by Haaland's ambition to become the Premier League's all-time top scorer. Haaland currently sits on 117 league goals, 143 short of Alan Shearer's record of 260.

O'Rourke said: 'While the race for Haaland's signature is wide open should he leave Man City, Arsenal could be boosted by the Norwegian's race to break Alan Shearer's goal record. Haaland is on 117 goals as things stand, 143 away from the Englishman's total. By his standards and average of 28 goals per season, he would require just over five more seasons in the Premier League to break it.'

Reports in Spain have also claimed Haaland is 'waiting for an agreement' with Barcelona, with suggestions he could be available for a fee well below the €175 million release clause in his contract and that he views Hansi Flick's project as more appealing than a potential move to Real Madrid.

Romano urges caution

Fabrizio Romano, however, has struck a far more measured tone. The transfer specialist pointed to a message Haaland posted this week voicing support for Man City amid their ongoing situation, in which the striker said: 'I care a lot about the UK, I care a lot about Manchester City. I care a lot about the fans, I'm a fan myself of Man City and I feel with them... We have to stick together, stay with each other, stay positive.'

Romano said on his YouTube channel: 'At this stage the answer is no-one knows what Haaland will do next. This will depend on several factors. I can guarantee you Erling Haaland is now ready to fight for Man City, with Man City, and focused on Man City completely, and that's a fact.' He added that while Real Madrid and Barcelona have 'always been around' for Haaland dating back to his Borussia Dortmund days, any move to Spain is not currently linked to the verdict or City's situation.

For now, Haaland remains contracted to City and publicly committed to the club, but the appeal process and any eventual punishment could reshape the picture before long.