Arsenal have looked to Real Madrid as inspiration for future plans to redevelop their Emirates Stadium in North London, according to a new report.
The Evening Standard is the latest outlet to claim that Gunners chiefs are in talks, which are at an 'exploratory' stage, over the future expansion of the stadium they moved to in 2006 from Highbury.
This follows certain renovation work to the exterior of the Emirates Stadium, particularly in its artwork, and the word of co-chairman Josh Kroenke last summer, as he said: "The internal conversations are starting to occur about (the stadium). It is not an easy renovation, but we see the possibilities of what's there."
With a capacity of 60,704 it still competes as one of the biggest used as a home by an English football club.
Though, approaching its 20th birthday, Arsenal's ground would risk falling behind others if work is not done. For example, Liverpool's capacity has moved ahead to 61,276 with only two of Anfield's four stands modernised so far with over £100m invested.
Manchester City have put another £300m into their Etihad Stadium to take their numbers beyond 60,000 whilst also adding extra facilities to their East Stand, Manchester United have recently unveiled an ambitious 100,000-seater new stadium project that in theory would cost over £1bn and nearby Tottenham Hotspur of course converted their old home White Hart Lane into a 62,850-seater multi-use facility.
In the latest report it is explained that Arsenal have, therefore, taken into consideration what other clubs have planned, with Real Madrid named specifically.
The Spanish club opted to renovate their own Santiago Bernabeu stadium in 2019 with president Florentino Perez announcing it would be 'the best in the world'.
Changes took four years to complete at a reported £1bn cost. It added improved accessibility around the venue, a new outer metal casing for a new look, a retractable roof and a giant LED scoreboard that stretches the entirety of the inner ceiling.
Shop and leisure facilities have been included whilst the Bernabeu also now has retractable pitches for other sports to be hosted. As was their vision, it has truly become 'the great digital stadium of the future'.
And of course, Arsenal will get a first-hand look at all of this when they venture to the Spanish capital for Champions League duties next month.
Mikel Arteta's side were drawn against the defending champions at the quarter-final stage, with the second leg away from home on April 16 - eight days after the opening battle takes place at the Emirates Stadium on April 8.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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