Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly defended the club’s plan to cut approximately 60 jobs from its workforce of around 800 employees, describing the move as part of an effort to improve efficiency and support future success. The announcement came shortly after Arteta signed a new four-year contract reportedly worth about £20 million per year, an increase of £8 million on his previous deal.
The job reductions follow a comprehensive internal review conducted by a US-based management consultancy firm, primarily focused on non-football operations. While some departments, including commercial, marketing, and disability services, are expected to face staff cuts, coaching and performance staff for both the men’s and women’s teams, as well as security personnel and community outreach operations like the Arsenal Foundation, will remain unaffected.
In a recent press conference, Arteta acknowledged the club had explained the rationale behind the restructuring, emphasizing the intention “always to evolve, to improve.” He stated that decisions were necessary to place employees in the right roles while continuing to invest in the club’s ambitions. However, when asked further questions on the matter, Arteta declined to comment in detail, and a club press officer quickly ended inquiries on the topic.
Financially, Arsenal has faced challenges despite recent successes, posting losses for seven consecutive years. Although the club recorded record revenues of approximately £691 million in the 2024-25 season and anticipates nearing £800 million last season due to winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final, it is pursuing greater operational efficiency amid tighter financial regulations in the Premier League. The proposed cuts are expected to save between £5 million and £7 million annually, primarily affecting the wage bill outside of player salaries, which dominated the club’s expenses.
The move to restructure has been met with some concern among affected staff, with reports suggesting the club may seek to replace certain roles with technology. Additionally, former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit expressed worries that decisions such as these, combined with increased ticket prices — including the introduction of a new top-tier category for potential Champions League quarter-final and semi-final matches — risk alienating supporters by transforming them from passionate fans into customers.
Arsenal is also actively working to boost match-day revenue through expanded corporate packages and ticket adjustments while positioning itself strategically for sustained success on and off the pitch. The club plans to retake its official 2026-27 squad photo after the initial shoot was postponed due to the absence of French defender William Saliba, who was attending a medical appointment at the time.
Overall, the club views the job cuts as a necessary step to evolve its structure and finances, although the move has generated mixed reactions internally and among the fan base.