Arsene Wenger is worried Manchester City’s policy of buying up clubs around the world could see them side-step financial fair-play regulations.

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will turn out for City in the coming season having signed on-loan from New York City – a Major League Soccer franchise owned by the same powers as those in charge of the English Premier League champions.

After falling foul of UEFA’s Financial Fair-Play regulations, City have been restricted to a 21-man Champions League squad this year – with eight home-grown players required in their Premier League squad.

Former Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa has also signed up to play for New York City next season – but has instead moved on loan to another club owned by the same group – Melbourne City of Australia’s A-League.

Although his move has not been officially confirmed, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini announced on Sunday that Lampard will now occupy one of those berths after the England midfielder sealed a shock return to the Premier League just months after leaving Chelsea – who had not offered the 36-year-old a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

But Wenger, who has always been a staunch advocate of financial fair-play, believes the move could benefit City at the expense of Arsenal and their fellow title rivals.

“It is a surprise,” he said when asked about Lampard’s loan move.

“After the statements we hear it is a surprise but it looks like all of these ‘City’ clubs will feed the main club Manchester City – I heard they want to buy five clubs all over the world.

“I don’t know the rules well enough but they brought a franchise for $100 million to play in the United States next season.

“At the moment the players they sign cannot play until next year so they will register them in the clubs where they put them and they can get out on loan.

“Is it a way to get around the fair-play?

“I don’t know. We are happy to dedicate the money to just run our club – there is not a lot of surplus to run other clubs.”