Arsenal have opted against increasing the capacity of the Emirates StadiumCredit: Getty
Arsenal have decided against a ‘huge-scale masterplan’ to expand the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners had considered various ways to increase the stadium’s capacity for around two years.
4Arsenal have opted against increasing the capacity of the Emirates StadiumCredit: Getty
The Emirates, which opened in 2006, has a capacity of 60,700; however, the club hoped to increase the numbers to beyond 70,000.
It was previously revealed by talkSPORT that the project could potentially cost up to £500million, with the stadium having cost £390m to build two decades ago.
Club chiefs considered moving to an alternative venue whilst work was carried out, with Wembley Stadium identified as a possible makeshift stadium.
However, plans have now been scrapped with boss Mikel Arteta preferring not to disrupt his side’s success by playing home matches elsewhere.
North London rivals Tottenham played their home games at Wembley after they left White Hart Lane.
Arsenal have now committed to a ‘continued evolution’ of the Emirates Stadium.
At the recent Arsenal Advisory Board meeting, co-chairman Josh Kroenke and chief executive officer Richard Garlick outlined the club’s plan regarding the stadium.
Plans for Emirates expansion aborted
A club statement read: "The discussion covered investment in player talent, the longer-term plans for our men’s and women’s training ground, Sobha Realty Training Centre and developments such as the appointment of Pascal De Maesschalck as part of our ambitions for a world-class Academy.
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"Richard also pointed towards the need to balance competitiveness with financial discipline.
"We updated members on the continued evolution of Emirates Stadium, our plans for retail growth and transformation and our continued focus on partnerships.
“We also discussed steps we will take to deepen our connection with supporters even further, wherever they are in the world.
4Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was a driving force behind the decisionCredit: Getty
4The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will remain as London's biggest club stadiumCredit: Getty
"We are currently recruiting a Chief Marketing Officer to drive this.
"We shared a commitment to continued evolution of Emirates Stadium, rather than a huge-scale masterplan, building on improvements we’ve 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 reportedly looked into the idea of making the Emirates Stadium the biggest Premier League stadium in London.
As it stands, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium holds that honour with 63,000 fans able to pack into the state-of-the-art arena.
However, Arsenal say they will continue to improve the matchday experience for fans.
That includes improving 5G mobile connectivity inside the stadium, with progress expected on that front before the end of the season.
4Arsenal have instead planned to enhance the matchday experience for all supportersCredit: Getty
Arsenal Supporters Trust statement
On hearing the news that the stadium will not be renovated, Arsenal Supporters’ Trust said: "No capacity changes at the Emirates. Focus will be on facilities behind the scenes.
"Expect more hospitality offerings. Once again, we secured a commitment from the club that they have no current plans to move or reduce any general admission places.
“But all supporters must be vigilant to this and repeat the importance of custodianship."