Arsenal announced, a few days after the renewal of MikelArteta's contract, a drastic cut of around 60 jobs within the London club. The communication, made by general manager Richard Garlick, was addressed to all staff, except the technical staff of the men's and women's teams, the youth sector, the foundation and the security department. The positions affected mainly concern operational departments external to the field, including administration, logistics and technical support.
The decision is the result of an analysis by a management consultancy firm which examined Arsenal's organizational structure. According to sources, the club's operating costs have increased significantly in the last year, going from £148 million for the 2024-2025 season to £201 million, equivalent to approximately €239 million. In this context, the reduction of staff was seen as a way to contain expenses and ensure the financial sustainability of the club.
Arteta's renewal, which led to the Spanish manager becoming the highest paid manager in the Premier League, was signed with a contract that lasts until 2030. With the new agreement, Arteta will earn around 20 million pounds per year, equivalent to around 23.7 million euros, excluding bonuses. The club therefore had to balance the desire to retain its star manager with the need to reduce operating costs.
Arsenal employees had already raised concerns in previous weeks, when the club commissioned a consultancy firm to examine its organizational structure. News of the cuts sparked mixed reactions within the club, with some employees expressing fears for their job security, while others recognized the need to adapt to new economic conditions.
With the renewal of Arteta and the reduction of 60 positions, Arsenal is preparing for a new period of re-evaluation of its human and financial resources. The club will need to carefully monitor the impact of these measures on on-field performance and management of operational activities as it continues to focus on sporting success and long-term economic stability.