The ongoing exchange between Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Arsenal’s young left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly continues to draw attention. The rivalry began when Lewis-Skelly made his Premier League debut in a fixture against City, where Haaland first made remarks that have since lingered.

By the time City returned to Arsenal’s home ground four months later, Lewis-Skelly had become a key figure in Arsenal’s lineup. He scored in Arsenal’s 5–1 victory and celebrated by imitating Haaland’s signature ‘zen’ goal celebration, sharing the moment on social media with the caption “Keep it humble.”

Haaland was later asked about this ‘Stay humble’ comment by Time magazine, to which he responded,

“I think it’s an important phrase, which a lot of people should use, including myself. It’s one of the most important things, as individuals, to do.”

Despite the apparent jibe, Haaland remained unbothered by Lewis-Skelly’s mimicry. “If he wanted to use that moment to mock me, that’s fair enough for him,” he said. “Whatever he wants to do, he can do.”

Haaland also acknowledged Arsenal’s dominant win, noting, “They won the game 5-1. So yeah, they got me.”

The rivalry has been maintained, with Lewis-Skelly hinting at it again in June upon signing a long-term contract with Arsenal. The young England international pledged to “keep staying humble,” adding another chapter to this unlikely yet compelling back-and-forth between the established striker and the promising defender.

The Premier League’s investigation into Manchester City’s financial compliance charges, which concluded hearings in early December, might see its resolution delayed until October at the earliest. According to reports, no further updates have been provided since the hearing concluded, and there is speculation the decision could come during an international break later this year, reminiscent of the timeline in City’s previous Associated Party Transaction case ruled on in October 2024.

Premier League CEO Richard Masters addressed the situation during Sky Sports’ Summer Series coverage, emphasizing confidentiality and refraining from providing updates. “You can ask but, unfortunately, as you know, our rules are very clear. It’s a confidential process, so I really can’t give any information out on timing or anything like that. There’s nothing more I can add,” Masters stated.

Manchester City maintains their innocence amid the charges. However, should the club be found guilty, it faces potential sanctions. Expulsion from the Premier League is considered unlikely, as it would require a majority vote from the other clubs in the division. Any final ruling is expected to be followed by appeals, which could extend the timeline for resolution further.

The impact of any decision will not be immediate, meaning the situation remains unresolved for some time, continuing to cast a shadow over the club’s season.

Manchester City have moved quickly in the transfer market, deciding Stefan Ortega will need to find a new club after securing goalkeeper James Trafford. While Ederson remains a key figure in goal, the arrival of Trafford, who has been signed for a record fee, changes the team’s goalkeeper dynamics.

Ortega, who has been City’s dependable deputy with 56 appearances over recent seasons, learned of his impending exit soon after Trafford’s signing. The 32-year-old German goalkeeper, who has provided reliable cover during Ederson’s absences, now faces an uncertain future as City prioritise offloading players to manage their squad and finances.

This summer, Manchester City has spent approximately £153 million, adding to last winter’s outlay of £188.7 million. Trafford’s transfer is notably costly; although initially reported at £27 million, it is now understood to be £31 million. This fee makes him the most expensive British goalkeeper ever, exceeding Jordan Pickford’s £30 million move to Everton eight years ago.

With Ortega having only one year left on his contract, City anticipate a limited transfer fee but are determined to arrange his departure. The club’s recent spending spree reflects their ambition but also the necessity to balance the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.