Since KSE took full control of Arsenal in 2018, the team have been on a climb to the top both on and off the pitch.
Stan Kroenke and the Arsenal board have put their full backing into a project at the Emirates Stadium, helping Mikel Arteta rejuvenate the squad to compete once again.
Behind the scenes, there have been significant changes as the structure of the ownership and the football figures have switched around.
While Andrea Berta is set to become the new director of football, there has been an implemented strategy to improve revenue.
In terms of the latest Arsenal financial accounts, an increase in commercial revenue was most notable as the Gunners look to hunt down their nearest rivals at the top.
Continued qualification for the Champions League has helped increase broadcast and matchday revenue too.
However, the one area that perhaps needs some focus next is the Emirates Stadium, which is approaching its 20th year of being the home of Arsenal.
While it was a bold choice to move from Highbury, it’s one that has paid off in recent years after a slow start to life at the ground.
In the years since though, plenty of other stadia in the Premier League have taken the next step, which Arsenal need to follow suit with.
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Arsenal plan on Emirates Stadium expansion with £200m budget boost
With Manchester United’s new stadium the latest in a few innovations for stadiums in the UK, which has included new builds for Tottenham and Everton, along with Liverpool’s expansion of Anfield, it’s time for Arsenal to look at their ground once more.
The current capacity of 60,704 is regularly sold out, with ballots required for fans to go and support their team at home.
An expansion of the Emirates Stadium is in the works which will help get supporters more chances to watch the Gunners, at the same time as boosting the budget over time.
Arsenal Insider spoke to finance expert Adam Williams to get insight into the effect it will have on the side going forward.
He said: “More and more owners are realising that the frontline in the financial war between the elite clubs is actually matchday income over commercial or broadcast.
“The bigger your stadium, the more demand you can satisfy. Bricks-and-mortar infrastructure projects are expensive and they take time to complete, but it’s the most reliable source of income, especially in London, where you can charge premium prices.
“Arsenal’s matchday income last season was £132m, which is a record for the club. It was also the highest in the Premier League. Real Madrid were the only team whose matchday income was higher worldwide.
“But United and Spurs will make more money in a good season through the turnstiles than Arsenal. And with United poised to lift capacity by 25,000, the danger is that they pull away significantly.
“Arsenal want to raise capacity to 80,000. A pro-rata calculation tells us that, if prices were the same and they had the same number of matches in a season etc. matchday income would rise to £174m. In reality, however, it’s going to be far bigger than that.
“There is always an emphasis on more corporate hospitality seating and generally a US franchise-style approach to the matchday experience in modern stadium design. Arsenal’s most expensive hospitality season ticket is worth £30,000, which gives you an indication of how lucrative it can be.
“Chelsea make more money on a per-fan basis than any other club and that’s because a quarter of Stamford Bridge is premium seating. Arsenal will follow a similar north star with the Emirates redevelopment when it happens.
“I think that means you can expect matchday income to surpass £200m quite comfortably. Of course, it isn’t going to be cheap.
“They would have to build upwards, and the further away from the ground you get, the more expensive construction is. You’re probably talking at least £500m.
“That is going to be a strain on resources. Kroenke has a supreme credit rating so wouldn’t have an issue getting a good debt deal, but it’s not a good time to borrow at present.”
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Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium expansion plans hinge on changes
While the Emirates Stadium is set for an expansion, there are likely to be some changes required before it can go ahead.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have been approached by some architectural firms over the ways in which the expansion could take place.
There is, however, some infrastructure needed around the ground to support the increased foot traffic generated.
Approval would be needed from the local Islington council as well as the transport department, while upgrades may be required for the underground stations in close proximity.
In all, it’s something that may take some extra time for Arsenal to sort out to ensure they get the maximum out of the expansion, along with picking the right time to do so.
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