Arsenal have been confirmed as Premier League champions following Man City's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
23:53, 19 May 2026
Kai Havertz celebrates scoring Arsenal's goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley.
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Kai Havertz's winner against Burnley played a big part in Arsenal's title win. (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal are likely to be facing a big increase in their wage bill after winning the Premier League title.
The Gunners have been confirmed as 2025/26 Premier League champions following Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night. Eli Junior Kroupi put the Cherries 1-0 up in the first half, despite Erling Haaland’s late equaliser, but it wasn’t enough for City.
The full-time whistle prompted celebrations around the Emirates Stadium, which will continue into the weekend when Arsenal will be presented with the Premier League trophy. That will come following the final game of the season against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
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Given Arsenal’s ambition to get their hands on the trophy, having finished second for the last three years, it is expected that most players will have some sort of title bonus included in their contracts.
For Liverpool last season, title bonuses, as well as new contracts for stars including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, saw staffing costs rise by £42 million in the last financial year.
It could be a similar number for Arsenal this time around, especially if some of the title heroes are offered new deals over the next few months.
It's reported that there is a bonus scheme in place at the Emirates Stadium, which sees players earn around £6,000 per appearance. There is then a share of a bonus pool which builds throughout the campaign based on progression in cup competitions.
Kai Havertz celebrates scoring Arsenal's goal with Gabriel Magalhaes during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal players will reportedly receive bonuses for winning the Premier League title. (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
While the title is likely to see staffing costs grow, the success will also bring financial boosts to Arsenal. For finishing top of the table.
The Gunners will receive the biggest merit payment from the Premier League of £51.3 million, and could potentially get sponsorship bonuses as part of their deals with the likes of Adidas and Emirates.
Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final could also bring a similar situation. Success against PSG on May 30 could mean even more bonuses triggered in players’ contracts, but their run to the final will mean more money brought in through merit payments and broadcast revenue.
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The Times reports that the squad will be given bonuses if they win the Champions League, with the squad already banking around £25,000 for each leg of the semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.
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