Arsenal Weighs a bold expansion of the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal are examining the possibility of expanding the Emirates Stadium from its current 60,700 capacity to around 70,000 seats. The move would aim to reclaim the status of London’s biggest club ground and boost match-day revenues at a time when demand for season tickets remains high on the club’s waiting list.
The club has long faced competition from newer, larger stadiums in the capital. Tottenham Hotspur’s rebuilt White Hart Lane (now the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) and West Ham United’s London Stadium have drawn capacity advantages in recent years. Arsenal’s board, led by co-chairmen Stan and Josh Kroenke, is reportedly exploring options that could alter the structure of the current bowl without erasing the stadium’s identity.
Sources indicate there is appetite within Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) to push for a significant upgrade, should feasibility studies show a viable path forward. A working group was established last year to assess redevelopment options, and discussions appear ongoing. While some proposals envision a major reconstruction, others suggest more conservative measures that would add capacity with minimal disruption.
One of the central questions is how a larger stadium would be integrated with Arsenal’s day-to-day operations. There has been speculation—without confirmation—that the club could consider temporary relocation during any major redevelopment, potentially to Wembley. The Telegraph reported such a scenario, noting that Arsenal had previously used Wembley for Champions League fixtures in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Arsenal are not yet prioritizing a move to host Euro 2028 matches, sources say, as the club weighs long-term infrastructure needs against other priorities. Co-chair Josh Kroenke has publicly signaled that upgrades are being discussed, though he framed any talk as premature, stressing that the club is exploring the “possibilities” and that renovation would be complex.
Behind the scenes, KSE appears prepared to back a major capital project. The summer transfer window underscored this with over £250 million spent on players; insiders suggest KSE is ready to commit further funds to the Emirates’ evolution. Structural changes would likely involve careful planning around seating gradients and sightlines to accommodate thousands more fans while preserving the stadium’s atmosphere and safety standards.
News also touched on leadership changes within Arsenal as the club reshapes its executive group. The departure of vice-chair Tim Lewis has been followed by leadership transitions that see Stan and Josh Kroenke ensuring continuity at the top. Long-serving executives and new board additions—such as nonexecutive directors with expertise in real estate development—signal a potential blueprint for how a stadium expansion could be financed and delivered. Notably, Ben Winston, a figure linked to the KSE group’s broader media and entertainment interests, joined the board, underscoring the ambition behind any long-term project.
On the pitch, the team continues to strengthen under Mikel Arteta. David Raya has signed an improved contract to reflect his importance in goal, joining a squad with other players negotiating enhanced deals. The club’s steady transfer strategy and improved player retention could provide the stability needed to pursue a high-profile stadium project, should it move from feasibility to execution.
In summary, Arsenal’s exploration of expanding the Emirates Stadium to around 70,000 seats is still in its early stages. The discussions are being handled with a view toward maintaining the club’s competitive edge, protecting match-day experience, and respecting the stadium’s character. If a viable plan emerges, it could redefine Arsenal’s status in London football and set a new benchmark for stadium capacity and revenue generation in the Premier League.
