Full Breakdown
Arsenal Announces Up to 60 Redundancies Amid Post-Title Cost-Cutting Drive
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Arsenal Football Club confirmed that up to 60 positions – roughly 7 % of its 871 permanent staff – will be made redundant. The cuts target off-field departments such as catering, travel and other operational areas, while the men’s and women’s coaching and performance staff are exempt. The decision was communicated to employees by chief executive Richard Garlick following a review that began before the club secured the Premier League title.
Background & Context
The redundancies follow Mikel Arteta’s new four-year contract, which raises his earnings to more than £20 million a season. Arsenal’s 2024-25 accounts show record turnover of £691 million but a loss of £1.4 million for the year. Operating costs rose sharply from the previous season, prompting the club to seek efficiencies. An external consultancy, Boston Consulting Group, was engaged to examine operations and identify cost-saving measures.
Data & Statistics
- Redundancies: up to 60 jobs (? 7 % of 871 permanent staff).
- Operating costs: reported as £201 million (another source cites £200.8 million), up from roughly £148 million the prior year.
- Revenue: £691 million for 2024-25, a record figure.
- Club loss: £1.4 million for the same period.
- Manager salary: > £20 million per season.
Official Statements & Responses
Garlick noted that the review had been underway before the title win and was part of a broader effort to improve efficiency. Mikel Arteta declined detailed questions, saying the matter was not his responsibility and that the analysis had been explained to him. He added that some decisions must be taken to place people in the right roles and to keep investing in the club’s ambitions. The club said it would attempt to redeploy affected employees where possible, though some job losses were unavoidable.
Criticism & Opposition
Football-finance analyst Kieran Maguire described the timing of the cuts as an “own goal,” arguing that the decision undermines the club’s stated values of “championing each other” and “doing the right thing.” He highlighted the contrast between the substantial manager and player salaries and the redundancies affecting staff who contribute to the club’s broader community work.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ slightly on the exact figure for operating costs: £201 million versus £200.8 million. Both agree that costs have risen sharply from the previous year’s roughly £148 million. Details about the specific roles targeted for redundancy have not been disclosed, leaving a gap in understanding which functions will be most affected.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These are moments in a player’s career, or in a season, I would say,” — Mikel Arteta
- “First, this question is not for me,” — Mikel Arteta