Arsenal have announced they are proposing 55 staff redundancies as the coronavirus pandemic continues to negatively impact the Gunners’ finances. 

In a statement made by the club’s sporting and financial chiefs Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham on Wednesday, the north London club admitted that these cuts are necessary in order to make sure they ‘operate in a sustainable and responsible way’.

Sanllehi and Venkatesham confirmed that investment in the first-team squad is a ‘key priority’ and that a 30-day consultation period will begin to determine the redundancies.

The Gunners are facing financial troubles while star man Mesut Ozil earns £350,000-a-week, which equates to £18million-a-year, despite being out of favour with head coach Mikel Arteta. 

The Gunners also received a financial boost this week when they won the FA Cup, thereby qualifying for European football which earned them £2.6m in prize money. This could rise up to £41m, depending on how far the Gunners go in next year’s tournament. 

Furthermore, Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke’s wealth has grown by £300m during 2020, according to American thinktank Billionaire Bonanza 2020. The American businessman is believed to be worth around £8.1bn.

The club statement read: ‘We do not make these proposals lightly and have looked at every aspect of the club and our expenditure before reaching this point. 

‘We are now entering the required 30-day consultation period on these proposals. We know this is upsetting and difficult for our dedicated staff and our focus is on managing this as sensitively as possible.

‘Our main sources of income have all reduced significantly. Revenue from broadcasters, matchday and commercial activities have all been hit severely and these impacts will continue into at least the forthcoming 2020-21 season. 

The pandemic represents one of the most challenging periods in our 134-year history and we have responded promptly by implementing wide-ranging measures to reduce our costs. 

‘These proposed changes are ultimately about ensuring we take this great football club forward, creating the right organisation for a post-Covid world, and ensuring we have the resources to return to competing effectively at the top of the game here and in Europe.’

Several clubs made announcements regarding their financial situation when the coronavirus pandemic first hit the world of football. Newcastle United, owned by British businessman Mike Ashley, became the first Premier League club to place staff members of the Government’s furlough scheme back in March. 

Detailed Article : Daily mail sports