Arteta Says Arsenal’s Restructuring Is Aimed at Future Success

Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal’s wider efforts to improve the club’s operations after being briefed on plans to reduce the workforce by as much as seven per cent.

Chief executive Richard Garlick informed employees this week that the club intended to eliminate a number of positions across several departments. The proposed changes could affect up to 61 of Arsenal’s 871 permanent employees, with the reductions focused on non-playing and administrative roles.

The club has confirmed that coaching and performance teams across both the men’s and women’s sides will not be affected. Staff working for the Arsenal Foundation, Arsenal in the Community and the club’s security department are also excluded from the plans.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Arteta said he had been given an explanation of the review and its objectives. The Spaniard initially stressed that he was not the appropriate person to discuss the details before outlining his understanding of the decision.

He explained that the process was designed to help the club develop, improve its structure and ensure resources were directed towards the right areas.

According to Arteta, the changes are intended to place employees in suitable positions while allowing Arsenal to continue investing in their long-term ambitions.

However, he emphasised that questions about the redundancies should be directed to the club’s leadership rather than himself, asking for his position on the matter to be respected.

The restructuring comes shortly after Arteta signed a new four-year contract, following Arsenal’s first Premier League title triumph since 2004. His previous annual salary of £10 million was increased under the new agreement, which also includes a further £5 million in potential bonuses.

The workforce review had reportedly begun before Arsenal secured the league title, indicating that the proposed changes were part of a process already underway rather than a response to the club’s on-field success.

Arsenal’s latest financial figures provide further context for the decision. In February, the club reported record revenue of £691 million for the 2024-25 financial year. Despite that income, the accounts showed an overall loss of £1.4 million.

Operating expenditure also increased significantly, reaching £200.8 million compared with £147.9 million in the previous financial year.

While the club continues to generate substantial revenue, the planned job reductions highlight its efforts to review costs, reorganise its workforce and direct investment towards its future objectives.