Stefan Borson
Thu 28 November 2024 16:00, UK
Arsenal could be looking to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City after talks have taken place about expanding the Emirates Stadium’s capacity.
That is the view of former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider the London giants’ plans make more sense than some of their Premier League rivals’ ambitions to build new stadiums.
Bloomberg reported on 15 November “preliminary discussions are underway” to expand the Emirates’ capacity from 60,704 to 80,000.
It would see Arsenal’s stadium become the biggest club ground in London, overtaking Tottenham’s 62,500-seater facility.
Man City are currently working to expand their stadium, with a new third tier on top of the Etihad’s North Stand set to take the capacity to more than 60,000.
A new hotel, museum, megastore and working areas are also being built as part of the £300million project.
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Arsenal stadium plans make sense after rival clubs’ ambitions
Borson believes Arsenal looking to expand their stadium’s capacity is a “completely different ball game” compared to some of their rival clubs’ plans to build new grounds.
He told Football Insider: “I think it’s easier if you are building upon a stadium that’s already there.
“It’s very different from rebuilding a stadium or largely rebuilding a stadium, which is what some of the other clubs are trying to do.
“We have to wait to see how they get through the planning and what the build cost is versus the potential return.
“It feels like one that makes more sense than these £1billion rebuilds or £2billion new-builds.
“This feels like something that makes more sense, akin to Man City’s extra tier at the Etihad.
“I think the all-in cost there, including building and all sorts of associated infrastructure like a hotel, has cost a total of something like £300-400million.
“That is a completely different ball game to building a fresh new stadium for £1-2billion or even more.”
In other news, significant update on Newcastle interest in Gabriel Jesus.
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