'Entitled to play' – Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gives verdict on Man City 115 Premier League charges

Mikel Arteta refused to use Manchester City's 115 charges against them as he prepares his Arsenal side for the final day of the Premier League season.

City are in pole position for the title and will be champions if they beat West Ham at the Etihad. If they don't, Arsenal have a chance to leapfrog them and steal the title if they can beat Everton at the Emirates. If City win the title, it will be their fourth in a row – something no English club has ever managed in the top flight.

However, as City close in on history, the noise over their outstanding Premier League charges for alleged breaches of financial rules is increasing, as rivals and critics look to use the charges to question City's achievements.

ALSO READ: Secret Man City meeting to give Man City players message before West Ham game

ALSO READ: 'I don't know' – Pep Guardiola responds to question on Man City's 115 charges

Among the potential punishments, should City be found guilty by an independent panel, could be relegation or expulsion from the Premier League and maybe even having to hand back some of their titles. The charges do not relate to the current season, but any prospective punishments could be implemented when the verdict is returned.

Such serious allegations means preparing a case against City takes time, as does the Blues' defence. But because no decision has been made, critics are suggesting that the supposed delay is having a negative effect on this season's title race.

Arteta, however, refused to entertain any ideas of the sort, insisting City have the right to play and challenge for the title until any time they are found guilty.

"That’s something for the authorities to manage. It’s not for us," the former City assistant insisted. "If