'Arsenal stadium expansion plan wrought with problems' - 'this isn't going to fly'
03/22/2025 02:30 PM
Arsenal are widely reported to be exploring options to expand the Emirates Stadium almost 20 years after they moved in.
The Gunners, like other top Premier League sides, are taking steps to supercharge their revenues in order to remain competitive at the top end of the table.
Newcastle, Man United, Man City, Tottenham and Everton have all made moves to increase capacity in recent months and years.
The Emirates Stadium currently holds 60,704 fans and is the fifth-biggest club stadium in England.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has revealed the “problem” with Arsenal’s expansion plan.
Arsenal face ‘exciting challenge’ with stadium expansion
Wyness has previously told Football Insider (19 March) that Arsenal are looking at adding a third tier at the Emirates Stadium – which he said could look like Barcelona's famous Nou Camp.
But speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he claimed the Gunners will face problems with transportation and the property surrounding the stadium.
The ex-CEO insisted “very optimistic” plans for supporters to arrive via bicycle, which he has seen in the past in other stadium projects, “won’t fly anymore”.
He told Football Insider's Inside Track podcast: "The problem would be transportation.
"That's the bottleneck. There's the same problem at Villa and at other grounds I've been to.
| Club (Stadium) | Capacity |
| Man United (Old Trafford) | 74,197 |
| Tottenham (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) | 62,850 |
| West Ham (London Stadium) | 62,500 |
| Liverpool (Anfield) | 61,276 |
| Arsenal (Emirates Stadium) | 60,704 |
| Man City (Etihad Stadium) | 52,900 |
| Newcastle (St James' Park) | 52,258 |
| Aston Villa (Villa Park) | 42,918 |
"The pinch point always seems to be transport, and that's the case with Arsenal.
"Adding any meaningful number of seats will be difficult when you've got these planning problems.
"I've seen very optimistic plans in the past, where they say 5,000 fans will arrive by bike. I don't think that will fly anymore.
"It's got to be realistic, in terms of the way this is done.
"The tube has got serious volume issues. I believe the third tier will be feasible, there will be some challenges with the property around the Emirates Stadium – but it's an exciting challenge."
Brentford brace for interest in Arsenal target
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Thursday (20 March) that Brentford are bracing for interest in Arsenal target Bryan Mbeumo in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Mbeumo is currently out of contract in June 2026 – with Brentford holding the option to extend his deal a further 12 months.
Newcastle and Liverpool are also keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old – who has taken his output to a new level for the Bees this term.
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The post 'Arsenal stadium expansion plan wrought with problems' - 'this isn't going to fly' appeared first on Football Insider.
