Man City is interested in signing a Chelsea player despite Premier League charges.

Manchester City wants to make a surprise move for Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell this summer, but their plans are on hold due to Premier League sanctions.

Following a four-year investigation, the Premier League has charged the Citizens with over 100 alleged financial rule violations from 2009 to 2018.

While City has pledged to clear their name, if found guilty, punishments range from a fine to point deductions to expulsion from the Premier League entirely.

Even if they get off lightly, Pep Guardiola’s side has suffered another reputational blow, and as a result, they may think twice about spending big on a new player or two in the near future.

This could have an impact on Guardiola’s summer transfer plans, with The Times reporting that Chilwell, along with England teammate Jude Bellingham, is high on the manager’s shortlist.

Following the surprise departure of Joao Cancelo to Bayern Munich, City’s left-back position is in desperate need of reinforcements, with Sergio Gomez the only natural player in the squad.

Guardiola, on the other hand, does not appear to have faith in the 22-year-old, who has yet to make a Premier League start and has not played in the top flight since October.

Instead, Nathan Ake, a promising center-back, and Rico Lewis, a promising right-back, have been used, but both can be easily upgraded, though Chilwell will be a difficult target to acquire.

The 26-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Leicester in 2020 for £50 million and has two years left on his contract. Though he has struggled with injuries, he has proven to be one of Chelsea’s best players when fit.

Guardiola wants another midfielder this summer, with Ilkay Gundog’s contract expiring and Bernardo Silva opens to leaving the Etihad.

Dortmund’s Bellingham is the obvious choice, but he is already in high demand, and his price tag of more than £100 million may prove problematic given the financial breaches.

Declan Rice of West Ham, who is already involved in a big transfer battle between Chelsea and Arsenal, is a slightly cheaper option.