• Premier League

City forced to strengthen this summer, says Kompany

Vincent Kompany says Manchester City had to strengthen in order to challenge for the Premier League title © PA Photos

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Vincent Kompany has claimed that Manchester City were "forced" to buy again this summer to ensure they can fight to retain their Premier League title.

The champions, who spent heavily in past years, were punished by UEFA in May for breaching financial fair play (FFP) regulations, with the club agreeing to pay £50 million and have their Champions League squad reduced from 25 to 21 players - a fine which could end up aiding their domestic rivals.

Dzeko: Chelsea pose biggest threat

• Edin Dzeko says that Chelsea pose the greatest threat to City's chances of retaining their Premier League title.
• "This season Chelsea might be the most serious challenger, but we mustn't ignore Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, or [Manchester] United, who will certainly be much stronger than last year," Dzeko said.
• "After all, everyone has gotten stronger, and everyone wants to be first."

However, they invested again by paying out £49m to bring defender Eliaquim Mangala, goalkeeper Willy Caballero and midfielders Fernando and Bruno Zuculini, while right-back Bacary Sagna arrived on a free transfer and Frank Lampard was loaned from New York City FC.

However, captain Kompany told France Football: "The summer reinforcements? People should see that as logical for a team like us, to get reinforcements every year.

"We are forced to. That is a fact. Joleon Lescott is leaving? We must get reinforcements for that position. Javi Garcia is leaving us? We have to add a player in that position."

City also sold midfielder Jack Rodwell, released goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon and loaned out right-back Micah Richards and striker Alvaro Negredo as they recouped money with the players departing the Etihad Stadium.

Defender Kompany and last season's top scorers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko were among six City players to sign long-term contract extensions in the summer, and the 28-year-old believes this sends a message to their rivals.

"To me the most important thing was not that I signed, but that I saw David Silva, Samir Nasri and Aleksandar Kolarov doing the same," Kompany added.

"That was a strong signal. All of those players could play for the top teams in the world, but they have decided to show faith in City and the project at the club. Personally, I have a very strong relationship with the club, so the decision to extend my stay was easy. I am looking to the future."

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