Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick has called for a swift and clear conclusion to the long-running disciplinary case against Manchester City, adding his voice to a growing chorus of frustration across the Premier League.

City face more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations — charges they have consistently denied — and yet an independent commission has still not delivered a verdict, more than 18 months after the disciplinary hearing ended and over three years since the charges were first brought in February 2023.

Garlick breaks ranks

Speaking to BBC Sport, Garlick said the delay was something felt across the entire league. "Everybody — the league and the teams — would want the clarity around what's going to happen next," he said. "I just hope that there is a solution very quickly."

His remarks came a day before the new Premier League season and shortly after league chief executive Richard Masters acknowledged the case had taken "longer than expected," while insisting the only path forward was to allow the independent process to reach "its natural conclusion."

Privately, officials at several other clubs told BBC Sport they share those frustrations, though they recognise the process operates on its own timetable. One official called on the Premier League to be "actively seeking to put in place a better system" to ensure faster outcomes. Another raised concerns about soaring legal costs — the league spent £45 million on legal bills during the 2023–24 season alone.

What City are accused of

The charges against City cover alleged failures to provide accurate financial information — including player and manager payments — between the 2009–10 and 2017–18 seasons, alleged non-compliance with UEFA's financial fair play rules from 2013–14 to 2017–18, and alleged breaches of the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules from 2015–16 to 2017–18. City also face multiple charges of failing to co-operate with the Premier League's investigation between December 2018 and February 2023.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham reportedly served legal notices on City in 2024 reserving the right to pursue compensation if the club are found guilty, with some clubs said to have estimated potential losses of more than £100 million. A related precedent was set in June, when Everton were ordered to pay Burnley £35 million in compensation following a breach of Premier League financial rules.

Arsenal's interest is not merely principled — they finished as Premier League runners-up to City in both 2023 and 2024, falling short by just two points in the latter campaign. Meanwhile, City have spent £151 million in the current transfer window, including a club-record £116 million for England midfielder Elliot Anderson, and have laid out close to £700 million on new players since the charges were first filed.

The future of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri

Separately, Garlick addressed speculation surrounding two of the club's most promising youngsters. He said Arsenal are not seeking to sell Myles Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri, both aged 19, but would "consider" a move if the right opportunity emerged for both the players and the club.

Both have been linked with summer departures. Their homegrown status means any sale would register as pure profit in Arsenal's accounts — a factor that carries extra weight as the Premier League introduces its new Squad Cost Ratio rules, which cap spending on fees, wages, and contracts at 85 percent of revenues, dropping to 70 percent for clubs in European competition.

Garlick described player trading as sound financial management rather than a necessity. "It's only a matter of good housekeeping that you do look at those opportunities when they arise, and as long as they're right for the club, then that's something that we will explore," he said.

Transfer window and Arteta's future

Arsenal have signed Bruno Guimaraes this summer but failed in moves for Vinicius Jr and missed out on Morgan Rogers in what Garlick admitted had been a difficult window. He remained hopeful of further signings, saying the club would act if a player capable of improving the squad became available before the deadline.

On manager Mikel Arteta, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract, Garlick was unequivocal. "Mikel wants to be at Arsenal, we want Mikel at Arsenal," he said. "It's only a matter of time before we put that into a new contract. Everyone is confident and calm."