New study puts Sunderland in world's top 100 for financial power

That's according to a new study by The Soccerex Football Finance 100, which ranks the world's top teams based on both their playing and fixed assets, money in the bank, owner potential investment and debt, was published on Wednesday.

Manchester City, who have dropped just four points in the league this season, lead the way ahead of Arsenal with English clubs dominating the top 10. Tottenham are fifth on the list ahead of seventh-placed Manchester United, with Chelsea in ninth.

According to the study, Arsenal have £766million worth of fixed assets - following their move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium - more than any other club in world football, while only Manchester United have more money in the bank (£307m) than Arsenal's £300m.

The north London club also have the lowest net debt (£8m) of any other team from England, with Chelsea's £800m recorded as the largest of clubs in the top 100.

The annual report by Soccerex suggests that Arsenal have the monetary muscle to "invest significantly" in the transfer market.

"Manchester City, one of the most famous cases of significant foreign investment changing a club's status and potential, top the rankings," the study concludes. "Their owner's high potential investment value is complimented by a strong performance by the club across each of the verticals.

"Arsenal's second place in the rankings, ahead of PSG, will surprise many and is certainly a talking point in light of criticism the club receives from some quarters for its perceived lack of spending in the transfer market.

"Their ranking is a reflection of the club's professionalism and a sound business model. The position of financial strength means Arsenal could invest significantly should the hierarchy of the club choose to change their business strategy."

Liverpool are 16th on the list, while 2016 Premier League champions Leicester are 20th. French giants Paris Saint-Germain, who broke the transfer record to sign Neymar last summer, are third ahead of Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande. Real Madrid are sixth with their La Liga rivals Barcelona only 13th.

Rankings

1. Manchester City

2. Arsenal

3. PSG

4. Guangzhou Evergrande

5. Tottenham

6. Real Madrid

7. Manchester United

8. Juventus

9. Chelsea

10. Bayern Munich

11. Zenit St Petersburg

12. RB Leipzig

13. Barcelona

14. LA Galaxy

15. Atletico Madrid

16. Liverpool

17. Borussia Dortmund

18. Lyon

19. Monaco

20. Leicester

Other English clubs in the 100:

27. Everton

32. Southampton

33. Stoke

35. West Ham

36. Newcastle

55. Crystal Palace

60. Swansea

65. Bournemouth

73. Burnley

86. Sunderland

90. Brighton

91. Aston Villa