Arsenal rule out 'huge scale' Emirates expansion after two-year talks

Credit: Getty Images

Arsenal have ruled out a "huge scale" expansion of Emirates Stadium, bringing an end to roughly two years of internal discussions about increasing the ground's capacity.

The stadium, which opened in 2006, currently holds 60,700. According to football.london, the club had been keen to push that figure beyond 70,000, with a temporary move to an alternative venue such as Wembley Stadium while construction took place considered as an option by club chiefs.

Those plans have now been scrapped. Instead, Arsenal have committed to what they describe as a "continued evolution" of the Emirates.

What the club said

Co-chairman Josh Kroenke and chief executive Richard Garlick addressed the first Arsenal Advisory Board meeting of the 2026/27 season on 24 September, where Garlick set out the club's direction across several areas.

A club statement read: "The discussion covered investment in player talent, the longer-term plans for our men's and women's training ground, Sobha Realty Training Centre and developments such as the appointment of Pascal De Maesschalck as part of our ambitions for a world class Academy. Richard also pointed towards the need to balance competitiveness with financial discipline."

On the stadium specifically, the statement continued: "We shared a commitment to continued evolution of Emirates Stadium, rather than a huge scale masterplan, building on improvements we've made to date in partnership with our catering partner, Legends, the introduction of safe standing (this season in the Clock End, and next season in the North Bank), improving hospitality and retail experiences, and upgrading visitor experiences."

The club also confirmed it is recruiting a Chief Marketing Officer to help "deepen our connection with supporters even further, wherever they are in the world", alongside plans for retail growth and further partnership work.

Supporters' response and the London picture

The Arsenal Supporters' Trust responded to the news by saying: "No capacity changes at the Emirates. Focus will be facilities behind the scenes. Expect more hospitality offering. Once again we secured a commitment from club that they have no current plans to move or reduce any general admission places. But all supporters must be vigilant to this and repeat the importance of custodianship."

It is believed Arsenal had explored making the Emirates the largest Premier League ground in London. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium currently has a bigger capacity at close to 63,000 and regularly stages music concerts and NFL fixtures.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan had previously flagged the difficulties any expansion would face. Speaking to football.london in October 2025, he said: "I can understand why a Premier League club would want to increase their capacity. We know the additional revenues it brings into the club, but also it means that ordinary fans can get to see the team they love."

He added: "Arsenal have got a huge fan base. There's clearly obstacles in relation to the local council and local residents and stuff. But I think anybody who understands the power of football will understand why all clubs... are thinking about increasing capacity."

For now, the focus shifts to safe standing in the North Bank next season and the hospitality, retail and matchday upgrades Arsenal have earmarked as part of that "continued evolution".