Arsenal job cuts: Arsenal have told staff that around 60 jobs are at risk as the club looks to reduce costs. This comes just months after winning their first Premier League title in 22 years.
The proposed redundancies were announced during a call with chief executive Richard Garlick on Wednesday morning (October 14). According to reports from The Telegraph and The Athletic.
It’s a blow for staff that follows a week after Arteta inked his latest contract. Reportedly worth around £20m per annum. Keeping the Spaniard coaching at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.
Arsenal target non-football departments in workforce review
A general review of the Gunners’ operations produced the proposed cuts. Arsenal has employed management consultants from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to identify areas where savings can be made and improvements carried out.
Some members of staff raised concerns over possible job losses back in September when reports surfaced claiming Arsenal had employed the consultancy to undertake a review of their business.
This includes focusing on the club’s wider workforce without involving the company’s operation relating to their football activities. This will therefore include coaching and performance staff who assist the men’s and women’s first teams and academy.
Arsenal has also stated that it will protect community operations, including the Arsenal Foundation and security department, from the proposed changes. The list of departments affected and the figure for total redundancies, however, remain subject to ongoing consultation. The club hasn’t publicly confirmed the outcome of the consultation process yet.
Arsenal face financial pressure despite record revenues
That’s despite an extremely successful spell on the pitch, Arsenal also made record revenue during the 2024-25 financial year. Reporting £691 million worth of revenue for the year in total – as well as increased commercial income.
However, this came at a cost, with the Gunners’ accounts showing they suffered a loss of £1.4 million for the 2024-25 financial year. That’s up from £147.9 million in 2023-24. Operating costs for the same time frame also saw a rise to £200.8 million from 2023-24 figures. Reports reveal that Arsenal have seen losses over seven consecutive financial years.
But as with much else at the club, they’re looking for ways to maximise efficiencies but remain competitive against the backdrop of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
That’s where this workforce review comes into play.
And it will no doubt raise some interesting questions amongst staff who have seen a lot of money thrown at them over the last year – both their manager and playing squad included.
Arteta’s new deal coincides with proposed redundancies
Last week, Arteta’s contract extension was revealed. This shows just how serious the Gunners are about continuing their run of form on the pitch. Under the Spaniard’s leadership, the Gunners secured the 2025-26 Premier League title, ending a 22-year-long wait for the championship.
They also got to the Champions League final in Budapest this spring. Although they lost out to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on penalties following a 1-1 draw. These successes have helped consolidate the Gunners’ standing both at home and abroad. However, the latest news shows the financial ramifications of trying to keep up their current streak.
In another context, Arsenal had already cut some of its staff significantly during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Around 55 employees lost their jobs.
Now these proposals would mean that roughly 60 posts will be affected. After the consultation stage, this isn’t set in stone. More on this in due course as we learn more about the proposed changes throughout the process.
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