Arsenal have become Premier League title contenders under manager Mikel Arteta.
However, the Gunners’ failure to establish a multi-club network could scupper their chances of enjoying sustained success in the future.
A multi-club network operation would allow Arsenal to expand their commercial reach, create a seamless player pathway and improve squad depth.
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Chelsea, Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion have used the multi-club system impeccably. Liverpool are keen to jump on the bandwagon.
Read on as we assess how Arsenal can build a multi-club network.
Colorado Rapids is the Obvious Place to Start
Arsenal’s owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment also own the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer. The Rapids have solid infrastructure and an improving academy.
A closer working relationship between Arsenal and the Rapids would help both clubs exchange helpful information on data and coaching.
The American club has struggled recently, failing to recapture the glory days of the early 2010s. They could benefit from a link-up with Arsenal.
Young American players could be sent to train in Colney’s elite environment. Just being around the first team would be an incredible source of motivation.
Arsenal would have the opportunity to secure commercial growth in the US. A multi-club connection would strengthen the club’s commercial hold through cross-market promotions.
Some of Arsenal’s young players could head to the American club to have their first experience in senior men’s football and prove themselves.
The Gunners could use a multi-club network to keep talented players in their ecosystem, monitoring and preparing them for the first team.
Planting a Flag in New Zealand
Manchester City’s City Football Group bought Melbourne City and transformed the club into an A-League heavyweight. The connection allowed Aaron Mooy to join the English team.
Mooy generated a healthy fee when he was sold to Huddersfield Town and some of the funds trickled back to the A-League club.
Bill Foley’s Black Knight Football and Entertainment bought New Zealand-based Auckland FC. They also signed goalkeeper Alex Paulsen from Wellington Phoenix for sister club Bournemouth.
Paulsen went to Auckland on loan to continue his development, but he is expected to be a firm fixture between the sticks for Bournemouth in the future.
Arsenal could follow Bournemouth’s lead by forging ties with Wellington. With the Gunners behind them, Phoenix could become a major force in the A-League.
The move would not only benefit the clubs, but would also have a significant impact on the sports betting industry in New Zealand.
All new sports betting sites in New Zealand offer extensive coverage of the A-League. They would be guaranteed to have an uptick in activity if Arsenal linked up with Wellington.
The odds on the Gunners unearthing the next Chris Wood in New Zealand or other neighbouring countries would be boosted if they had a formal presence there.
The exchange of coaching and youth programmes between Man City and Melbourne helped the transfer of tactical DNA between the two clubs.
Arsenal could explore sharing their tactical and overarching ethos with Wellington, creating a mirror of the club’s football culture across different continents.
The connection would strengthen the Gunners’ appeal in a region where the club has only a modest presence compared to its rivals.
Europe Offers Arsenal Endless Possibilities
Buying a European club is a more practical idea, as it would allow talent from all over the world to gain top-level experience before joining Arsenal.
France could be the ideal option for the club. Arsenal have enjoyed success over the years when shopping for Ligue 1 stars or French players.
Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires, Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Thierry Henry have all starred for Arsenal.
The Gunners need to return to exploring the boisterous French market, which is oozing with fresh gems each year. The club could make a play for Toulouse.
The French club would welcome the investment and be an ideal environment for Arsenal’s youngsters to gain experience in a top-five European league.
Toulouse represents the perfect stepping stone for African and South American starlets who need a first landing spot in Europe before joining a big club.
Besides learning the tempo, culture and more in Europe at Toulouse, youngsters could obtain work permits there, as bureaucratic bottlenecks are less prevalent in France.
Arsenal could also seize the opportunity to sign budding Ligue 1 talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Djaoui Cisse and Jeremy Jacquet, before other clubs notice their potential.
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