Arsenal abandon major Emirates expansion and opt for targeted stadium upgrades
Arsenal have abandoned plans for a major expansion of the Emirates Stadium and on 2 October 2026 announced they will pursue a programme of smaller improvements to the ground rather than a large-scale redevelopment.
A working group led by chief executive Richard Garlick was established in 2024 to examine the feasibility of increasing the stadium’s 60,704 capacity, with some reports that Arsenal could have temporarily staged home matches at Wembley. At a supporters’ meeting the club confirmed it would concentrate on hospitality, retail, visitor facilities and the matchday experience — an area co-chair Josh Kroenke had previously highlighted. “We shared a commitment to the continued evolution of Emirates Stadium, rather than a huge-scale masterplan, building on improvement we have made to date in partnership with our catering partner, Legends, the introduction of safe standing (this season in the Clock End, and next season in the North Bank), improving hospitality and retail experiences, and upgrading visitor experiences,” Arsenal said.
Mikel Arteta, who last season guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2022, is believed to have expressed concern over the disruption that would have been caused by any temporary move. It is understood Arsenal did not apply to host matches at Euro 2028 with a potential redevelopment in mind. The decision sits alongside a wider review of the Premier League champions’ operations being conducted by the club’s owners.
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which agreed a record $4bn deal to buy Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels last month, is understood to have brought in Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to examine parts of Arsenal’s operations. The review is understood to be overseen internally by Garlick and to be ongoing. There is no indication the review will necessarily result in job losses among Arsenal’s approximately 800 employees. Sources have suggested the work is principally focused on non-football operations and identifying ways to improve efficiency.
The decision over the Emirates comes amid competition from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in 2019 with a capacity of 62,850 and was designed to host a wide range of sporting and entertainment events, including NFL games and concerts. Despite a smaller capacity, Arsenal have significantly increased their matchday revenue. Income has reportedly doubled over five seasons to more than £150m a season, helped by the club’s return to the Champions League and an expansion of corporate hospitality.
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust said it had been given guarantees the club had “no current plans” to reduce ordinary seating or move fans to increase corporate numbers.
Christos Tzolis is to return to Arsenal for assessment after sustaining a suspected muscle injury with Greece. Germany’s Kai Havertz pulled out of international duty after picking up an injury against the Netherlands.
Arsenal are believed to be hopeful Kai Havertz could feature against Leeds next Saturday, and Tzolis will return to the club for assessment ahead of forthcoming fixtures.