Arsenal to expand Emirates beyond 70,000 seats

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Arsenal are considering a temporary move to Wembley Stadium as part of plans to expand the Emirates beyond its current 60,700 capacity, according to The Telegraph.

The club has begun detailed work on proposals to increase capacity to over 70,000, restoring the Emirates as London’s largest football ground. The expansion would require major internal redevelopment, including adjustments to the gradient of the stands and seating layout, while keeping the stadium’s outer structure intact.

The project could cost several hundred million pounds and would mark Arsenal’s most significant infrastructure investment since the stadium opened in 2006. The upgrade would also help meet extraordinary ticket demand, with the season-ticket waiting list now exceeding 100,000.

Because of the complexity of the work, Arsenal may have to relocate temporarily. Wembley, where the Gunners have previously hosted Champions League and FA Cup fixtures, has emerged as the most likely option, echoing Tottenham Hotspur’s two-year stay there during the construction of their new stadium.

Discussions with architects have focused on optimising the existing 17-acre site in north London, where space constraints have long limited expansion options. Islington Council’s recent relaxation of height restrictions, however, offers new flexibility. Even a modest redesign, such as adding rows or reconfiguring existing seating, could create thousands of new places, including more corporate boxes and hospitality areas.

Arsenal have studied Real Madrid’s recent €1 billion Bernabéu redevelopment as a model for generating significant new revenue. Increasing matchday capacity and adding multi-use features could add tens of millions annually to the club’s income under the Premier League’s financial sustainability rules, which link squad spending to revenue.

If approved, the project would mark the 20th anniversary of Arsenal’s move from Highbury and underline the Kroenke family’s commitment to long-term growth.

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Photo: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

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Dylan Johnson