Sadiq Khan issues warning to Arsenal over huge ‘£500m Emirates Stadium plans’

Sir Sadiq Khan offered his thoughts on Arsenal’s purported Emirates Stadium ambitions, while announcing his Violence Reduction Unit partnership with London United

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has cautioned Arsenal they will encounter numerous “obstacles” in their quest to expand the Emirates Stadium. Earlier this month, reports emerged the Gunners are examining proposals to boost their ground’s capacity beyond 70,000 spectators, as part of a purported £500million plan.

It currently accommodates 60,700 supporters and officially opened its doors in July 2006. With the fan base and the club joining forces to enhance the atmosphere in north London, the development would likely be embraced by fans.

Reports also suggested the club might temporarily relocate to Wembley Stadium during construction work, mirroring Tottenham Hotspur’s arrangement when their new venue was being built.

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Khan – who was present at Wembley Stadium, to reveal his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is collaborating with the community foundations of all 17 London professional football clubs in a significant initiative to combat violence and exploitation – expressed enthusiasm about the concept. Nevertheless, the Mayor also issued a caution to the current Premier League table-toppers.

Speaking to our sister title football.london, he said: “At the moment, bearing in mind Arsenal’s league position, they are walking on water. I can understand why a Premier League club would want to increase their capacity.

“We know the additional revenues it brings into the club, but also it means that ordinary fans can get to see the team they love. I think West Ham’s got the biggest capacity in the London Stadium.

“Spurs aren’t far behind. Arsenal have got a huge fan base. There’s clearly obstacles in relation to the local council and local residents and stuff.

“But I think anybody who understands the power of football will understand why all clubs, whether you’re Arsenal, whether you’re Liverpool, whether you’re Everton, whether you’re United, are thinking about increasing capacity.”

Arsenal’s stadium expansion ambitions were disclosed by The Telegraph. Should the Gunners manage to create a 70,000-plus seater venue, it would become the capital’s largest ground, excluding Wembley Stadium.

It would also rank as the Premier League’s second biggest stadium, trailing only behind Old Trafford, which may soon be torn down and replaced with another massive venue. Furthermore, Arsenal’s season ticket waiting list is thought to stand at approximately 100,000.

Countless supporters have remained on the list for years. In an age where Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations are tightening their grip on teams, a stadium expansion would inject millions into the club.

Nevertheless, it’s also understood an extension could cost as much as £500m. They have yet to reach the planning permission stage, which could reportedly take around five years.

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