<p>Arsenal is the latest club to begin the process of analyzing the costs and benefits of stadium expansion at the Emirates. Recently, top clubs in the Premier League and Europe have developed their stadiums to accommodate more fans and develop the matchday experience. </p>



<p>Much of this relates to matchday revenue. In the 2022/23 season, Arsenal earned $133 million from matchday sales. This is below what London rival Tottenham earns at its lavish Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Each game, Spurs earn around $8 million in matchday revenue. Granted, much of this stems from the competitions each team plays in. For example, Arsenal expects to earn an additional $20 million from playing in the Champions League. Regardless, this can still be more. </p>



<p>As a result, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/kroenke-hints-at-emirates-stadium-upgrades-in-future/">Arsenal wants to increase the overall experience</a> or the matchday capacity at the Emirates. Unfortunately for the club, there is no clear route to achieve that goal. Based on the stadium’s construction, it is hard to construct a new stand or build upon what already exists. That is what <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/liverpool-given-go-ahead-to-expand-anfield-stadium-20210615-CMS-337079.html">Liverpool did at Anfield </a>to usurp the honor of the fourth-biggest stadium in the Premier League based on capacity. </p>



<p>One area that the club could change is the number of boxes and suites at the Emirates. There are 146 executive boxes at the Emirates, which is nearly twice as many as Tottenham. While that does make for more lavish experiences, Tottenham took a different route. Spurs recognized that many executives prefer to spend their time at games in hospitality lounges, not in boxes. There is a case where Arsenal turns some of these boxes into increased general seating to bump up its overall capacity. Also, Arsenal is working to improve the catering options in the stadium including <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/arsenal-investigate-expanding-emirates-h6gkctvhp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tripling the size of the kitchen</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241022_WST_536417_Arsenal-Champions-League-1-1200x675_1edc1c1b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-536435" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Arsenal-Champions-League-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Arsenal-Champions-League-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Arsenal-Champions-League-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Arsenal-Champions-League-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Arsenal-Champions-League-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Arsenal-Champions-League-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Arsenal-Champions-League-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Arsenal-Champions-League-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Is the Emirates Stadium due for an expansion?</h2>



<p>The Emirates is not an old stadium by any means, as Arsenal moved into the ground in 2006. At the time, it was the third-biggest stadium in England behind the old Wembley Stadium and Old Trafford. Now, the Emirates barely cracks the top five in terms of Premier League stadium capacity. It is not even in the top two largest stadiums for Premier League clubs in London. Tottenham has shown the potential of what upgrades can do for matchday revenue. </p>



<p>Strictly in food and drink, Tottenham earns $1.5 million in sales at every game. That is because the stadium has great bars and restaurants within it, making it a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/spurs-labeled-englands-best-run-club-despite-lack-of-success/">true experience for fans</a> even outside of watching their favorite team play. That must be the goal for Arsenal, as capacity expansion is not a cost-effective measure to raise the matchday revenues. Lowering the pitch and building seats closer to the field is a common measure to increase capacity. That is not an option for Arsenal because of the sightlines that exist at the stadium.</p>



<p>For now, there are no concrete plans for stadium expansion, but there are some to benefit the matchday experience. Revenues should also continue to rise with Arsenal’s appearances in the UEFA Champions League.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Arsenal explores the potential of Emirates Stadium expansion

Arsenal is the latest club to begin the process of analyzing the costs and benefits of stadium expansion at the Emirates.

<p>Arsenal have reportedly initiated talks on possibly upgrading or expanding the Emirates Stadium.</p>



<p>Since its inauguration in 2006, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-women-will-make-emirates-stadium-home-next-season/">Emirates Stadium</a> has served as the home of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a>, replacing the beloved Highbury. With a current capacity of just over 60,000, the stadium has become an iconic venue in soccer. However, as time passes and soccer infrastructure evolves, the Gunners are now looking at potential upgrades and expansions to keep pace with modern demands.</p>



<p>Despite its impressive stature, the Emirates Stadium is approaching its 18th year. Newer stadiums like the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have set new benchmarks in terms of facilities and modern conveniences. Recognizing the need to stay competitive and offer the best experience for fans, Arsenal are contemplating various options to upgrade their home ground.</p>



<p>In an interview with <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/40676836/how-josh-kroenke-kse-revitalised-arsenal-title-interview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN</a>, the club’s co-chair Josh Kroenke revealed that the club is in the early stages of discussing potential renovations. “It would be premature to talk about any plans in depth, but the internal conversations are starting to occur about [the stadium]”, Kroenke said. “It is not an easy renovation, but we see the possibilities of what’s there.”</p>



<h2>Koenke plans to enhance fan experience and capacity</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240802_WST_520002_Emirates-Stadium-1-1200x675_8450e29d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-520080" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>One of the primary motivations behind the potential renovations is to enhance the overall fan experience. The Emirates Stadium has faced criticism in the past for lacking the soul and atmosphere that Highbury had. However, efforts have been made to address this, including new artwork and initiatives to improve the matchday atmosphere. Current manager <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-gives-arteta-new-contract-as-demand-for-trophies-rises/">Mikel Arteta</a> has also played a significant role in strengthening the bond between the team and the supporters.</p>



<p>Furthermore, with Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta, the club is attracting a new wave of supporters. The current capacity of 60,704 may not be sufficient to meet this growing demand. Kroenke acknowledged this, saying, “Our goal was always to compete for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> title. If you look around the world if you are competing for the title year-in, year-out, you are competing for everything else”.</p>



<h2>What can fans expect?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240802_WST_520002_Emirates-Stadium-2-1200x675_dc87b7ce.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-520083" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Emirates-Stadium-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>The Kroenke family, who became full owners of Arsenal in 2018, have faced numerous challenges; including fan protests and controversial business decisions like the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/identifying-the-european-countries-most-in-favor-of-super-league-20240305-WST-493150.html">European Super League</a> proposal. Despite these hurdles, their commitment to the club remains strong. Kroenke also emphasized the intrinsic rewards of leading Arsenal; particularly the vibrant atmosphere on match days. “The real reward is when you enter the stadium, you feel the energy of what’s going on. That is the absolute payback of anything I could have ever imagined.”</p>



<p>Looking ahead, the 44-year-old assured fans of continued investment in the team and infrastructure. “What can our fans expect? Everything they’ve gotten in the last few years. We’re going to keep adding to the group,” he said. This commitment reflects the club’s ambition to maintain and enhance the high standards that supporters have come to expect.</p>



<p>While specific details about the renovations are yet to be finalized, the club is already making strides in improving the stadium. Repairs to the roof and replacing the giant screens inside the ground have taken place, setting the stage for more comprehensive upgrades. Expanding the stadium’s capacity is one of the considerations, as the club looks to keep up with the huge demand for tickets.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Kroenke hints at Emirates Stadium upgrades in future

Arsenal have reportedly initiated talks on the possibility of upgrading or expanding their home, the Emirates Stadium.

Kroenke hints at Emirates Stadium upgrades in future - World Soccer Talk

<p>FIFA has settled on the venues for the 2030 World Cup in Spain, and there are some notable omissions to that group. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) initially proposed 13 venues. However, after discussions with FIFA, the Ministry for Sport, and RFEF, the final list was <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5646984/2024/07/19/2030-world-cup-stadiums-spain-where/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pared down to 11</a>. This decision followed the confirmation that the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid would host the final. The remaining venues will be distributed among <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/brazilian-and-uruguayan-architects-to-design-estadio-centenario">Morocco, Portugal, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina</a>.</p>



<p>Madrid is one of the two cities in Spain hosting games in <a href="https://x.com/sidlowe/status/1813904842949050803" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two different venues</a>: the Santiago Bernabeu and the Metropolitano. Barcelona will also host matches at two venues, the RCDE Stadium and the Camp Nou. The Canary Islands will feature in the tournament with Gran Canaria, making it the only venue located off the Spanish mainland.</p>



<p>Instead of the initially proposed Benito Villamarin or the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadiums in Andalusia, the RFEF chose La Cartuja in Seville and La Rosaleda in Malaga. The Basque Country will feature two venues: the Reale Arena in San Sebastián and San Mames in Bilbao. Other selected venues in northern Spain include Riazor in A Coruña and La Romareda in Zaragoza.</p>



<h2>Which stadiums didn’t make the cut and why?</h2>



<p>The decision to exclude certain venues has raised eyebrows. Mestalla in Valencia and Balaídos in Vigo are the most prominent omissions. Both stadiums are undergoing renovations and cannot guarantee they will meet FIFA’s requirements in time. Asturias also missed a venue, with El Molinon in Gijon and the Nuevo Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo not making the cut.</p>



<p>Valencia’s absence is particularly surprising, given its status as Spain’s third-most populous city. Ongoing negotiations between the City Council and Valencia over the completion of the Nou Mestalla have not yielded results even with the added motivation of hosting World Cup matches.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240719_WST_517416_Santiago-bernabeu-crowd-1200x675_bb2ce7fb.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-517441" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Santiago-bernabeu-crowd-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Santiago-bernabeu-crowd-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Santiago-bernabeu-crowd-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Santiago-bernabeu-crowd-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Santiago-bernabeu-crowd.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>By July 31, Spain will present the selected stadiums, alongside those in Morocco and Portugal, to FIFA as part of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/can-more-than-one-country-host-the-fifa-world-cup-20231203-WST-471839.html">2030 World Cup bid</a>. FIFA denied the original of proposing 13 venues. Therefore, organizers settled on 11. Conclusions from a recent meeting in Agadir confirmed the Santiago Bernabeu as the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2030-world-cup-spain-to-use-11-stadiums-final-venue-revealed/">venue for the tournament’s final match</a>. Despite efforts to add Estadio Abanca Balaídos as a twelfth venue and Nou Mestalla as a thirteenth, the necessary guarantees were not secured. Thus, the 2030 World Cup dropped the venues as proposals.</p>



<h2>Preparations still underway</h2>



<p>Several of the stadiums, such as the Bernabeu, Metropolitano, San Mames and Reale Arena, are ready to host the World Cup without needing major modifications. The new <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2030-world-cup-to-offer-potential-relief-to-barcas-financial-woes-20231011-WST-461528.html">Camp Nou is under constructio</a>n, and renovations at La Romareda have just begun. Other venues will require adaptations. FIFA representatives are confident these changes can happen on time.</p>



<p>Official candidacies must enter the fray by July 31. Then, FIFA must approve these suggestions. Spain’s preparations, in collaboration with Portugal and Morocco, are moving forward smoothly, ensuring the necessary infrastructure will be ready.</p>



<p>The 2030 World Cup will be a global celebration. It marks the centenary of the first World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930. In addition to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, South American countries will also participate. Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will each host one game, spreading the tournament across six countries and three continents. The opening match is in Montevideo, Uruguay, while the final will be at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

11 Spanish venues for 2030 World Cup revealed, few miss out

The venues for the 2030 World Cup in Spain have been finalized, with some notable omissions. Find out which stadiums are they and why.

11 Spanish venues for 2030 World Cup revealed, few miss out - World Soccer Talk

<p>Arsenal has announced that their women’s team will make Emirates Stadium home during the 2024/25 season. The club has historically played their matches at Meadow Park, the current home of National League side Boreham Wood FC. This particular arena has a max capacity of around 4,500 fans, with less than half of this figure coming from actual seats. Nevertheless, The Emirates can accommodate over 60,000 supporters on matchdays.</p>



<p>The decision is groundbreaking in women’s soccer. Top European Women’s clubs almost always typically play their games at different stadiums compared to their men’s teams. Arsenal has, however, been leading the pack in interest in women’s soccer throughout the last year or so.</p>



<p>The Gunners previously scheduled six of their <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-super-league-tv-schedule/">Women’s Super League</a> (WSL) fixtures this season at The Emirates. The women’s team also set the division’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-women-sell-out-emirates-as-interest-in-womens-game-grows-20240215-WST-489658.html">attendance record</a> twice during the current campaign. The most recent milestone came during a matchup with Manchester United. Over 60,000 fans filled the massive arena to watch the big game.</p>



<h2>Arsenal Women set to play league and European games the Emirates</h2>



<p>Arsenal officials announced interest in the women’s team continues to rise. Jonas Eidevall’s squad is set to play at least 11 games at Emirates Stadium next season. This figure includes eight league matches, as well as at least three <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-champions-league-tv-schedule/">Women’s Champions League</a> group stage fixtures. The latter trio of games assumes that the club will qualify for the European tournament. If not, all 11 of their home league matches will then be featured at The Emirates.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240514_WST_506537_Arsenal-women-supporters-1-1200x670_730c685d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-506608" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Arsenal-women-supporters-1-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Arsenal-women-supporters-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Arsenal-women-supporters-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Arsenal-women-supporters-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>“For almost four decades, we’ve been at the forefront of the women’s game,” <a href="https://www.arsenal.com/news/emirates-stadium-becomes-arsenal-womens-main-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s chief executive officer. “We’ve recently seen extraordinary growth in supporters coming to Emirates Stadium for games held here, which include two complete sell-outs this season.”</p>



<p>“The next step in our journey is to make Emirates Stadium our main home for Arsenal Women. We’re looking forward to giving more supporters the chance to watch our women’s team play.”</p>



<h2>Gunners leading the pack when it comes to interest in English women’s soccer</h2>



<p>The executive’s comments are not exactly hyperbole. Not only have they set WSL records, but the women’s team is averaging huge attendance numbers throughout the current campaign. Arsenal Women currently <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-women-attendance-higher-than-10-premier-league-clubs-20240306-WST-493467.html">average higher attendance</a> than 10 other men’s Premier League clubs. </p>



<p>Other English women’s teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United have also played select matches this season at their main arenas as well. Nevertheless, these other clubs have not found as much success as the Gunners.</p>



<p>For instance, Chelsea managed to draw just over 12,000 fans at Stamford Bridge for a fixture against Liverpool in November. The men’s stadium typically has a maximum capacity of just over 40,000 fans. The Blues have recently dominated English women’s soccer in recent years. United Women’s previous home match against rivals Manchester City drew 43,615 people as well, but Old Trafford can accommodate up to 74,000 fans at game days.</p>



<p>Interest in women’s soccer is certainly growing exponentially across the globe. Arsenal’s latest move, however, shows that the north London club is at the forefront of this movement in support of their women’s team. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Arsenal Women will make Emirates Stadium home next season

Arsenal Women announced that it will play at least 11 matches at Emirates Stadium during the 2024/25 season.

<p>Arsenal has announced that they have officially sold out Emirates Stadium for an upcoming match involving their women’s team. The club is set to host Manchester United Women on Saturday, Feb. 17. It is the first time in the club’s history that they have sold out the massive arena for a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-super-league-tv-schedule/">Women’s Super League m</a>atch.</p>



<p>The north London club <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-announces-fastest-selling-womens-game-for-man-utd-clash-20240118-WST-484012.html">previously revealed</a> last month that tickets for the game were selling at a record pace. Seats for the upcoming fixture became the fastest-selling English women’s top-flight game in their history. As of January 18th, they had already sold over 50,000 tickets for the United clash. Emirates Stadium has a capacity of just over 60,000 fans.</p>



<p>Arsenal Women currently sit third in the English top-flight table at the moment. Manchester United, however, is just four points behind the Gunners in the standings. Unlike the Premier League, just the top three teams in the Women’s Super League (WSL) qualify for next season’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a>.</p>



<h2>Arsenal Women set to play more matches at Emirates Stadium</h2>



<p>Arsenal Women have historically played a majority of their home matches at nearby Meadow Park. The venue has a maximum capacity of just 4,000 fans. Nevertheless, massive supporter interest in the team has forced the club to make the necessary accommodations. The club will play six of their 11 home league games during the current campaign at the much larger Emirates.</p>



<p>Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s Chief Executive, applauded this boost in outside interest on Thursday. “We are grateful for the incredible support we’ve had all season,” <a href="https://www.arsenal.com/news/emirates-stadium-sold-out-man-utd-clash-wsl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Venkatesham. “Our supporters’ unwavering commitment and following, coupled with the performance of our team and the hard work of everyone behind the scenes at our club, has made this moment possible.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240215_WST_489658_Arsenal-FC-women-1200x670_4ec4434d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-489681" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Arsenal-FC-women-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Arsenal-FC-women-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Arsenal-FC-women-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Arsenal-FC-women.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>“The next step is delivering this on a consistent basis – not just at Emirates Stadium but across the league. We must continue to nurture this audience and deliver sustainable growth for the whole women’s game.”</p>



<h2>Interest in women’s soccer leagues continues to rise</h2>



<p>Women’s soccer in England has seen a significant boost in interest in recent years. The country’s triumph at the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro undoubtedly played a key role in this rise. The Lionesses eventually lifted the trophy at the tournament on home soil. </p>



<p>A record 87,192 fans packed Wembley Stadium in the summer of that year to watch England edge Germany in the title game. In total, over 500,000 fans purchased tickets to the tournament. The competition was also watched by over 365 million people across 195 nations.</p>



<p>Arsenal, in particular, has led the way in advancing the women’s game at the club level. The Gunners previously sold out Emirates Stadium for a Women’s Champions League semifinal match against Wolfsburg back in May. The women’s team then also set a WSL record attendance against rivals Chelsea in December as well. Arsenal managed to sell 59,042 tickets for the rivalry game.</p>



<p>Saturday’s game will, however, top this previous domestic record. This recent and continued rise in interest in women’s soccer only helps the sport as a whole. Here Stateside, over <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/nwsl-championship-draws-800k-viewers-on-cbs-20231114-WST-469992.html">800,000 viewers</a> tuned to CBS as NJ/NY Gotham FC topped OL Reign to grab the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nwsl-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">NWSL</a> title back in the fall. As a result, it was the most-streamed NWSL match in history.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Arsenal Women sell out Emirates as interest in women's game grows

Arsenal has officially announced that they have sold out Emirates Stadium for an upcoming match involving their women.


<p>Arsenal are reportedly ready to build a statue of Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium. <em><a href="https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/12/27/arsene-wenger-statue-arsenal-ready-build-tribute-former-manager/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Telegraph</a></em> claims that while talks have been ongoing for years about the issue, the Gunners and Wenger have finally agreed to make the statue happen.</p>



<p>News of a potential statue comes after Wenger finally returned to his former home stadium. The Frenchman was seen in the crowd at <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-extend-lead-at-the-top-after-stunning-second-half-comeback-20221226-WST-413488.html">Arsenal’s match against West Ham</a> on Monday. It was the first time that Wenger was inside the stadium for a game since he departed the club in 2018.</p>



<h2>Wenger would be proud of team’s performance</h2>



<p>Wenger returned at the right time. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-extend-lead-at-the-top-after-stunning-second-half-comeback-20221226-WST-413488.html">Arsenal dominated the Hammers</a> 3-1 on the night. Current coach Mikel Arteta responded to post-match questions about putting on a show for his former manager.</p>



<p>“Obviously, it’s great and winning means my mood is going to be much better to speak to him and be around the team,” <a href="https:\/\/www.arsenal.com/news/arteta-win-wenger-odegaard-and-transfers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Arteta. “So yeah, he picked the right moment. A really special day, because Boxing Day is a beautiful day to play football. And I thought the performance was at the level today that he deserves, and hopefully he will like.”</p>



<p>Arteta and former team chairman David Dein have both asked Wenger to return to catch a match for months. The former boss received a warm welcome by the fans and was even serenaded by the crowd with a song as well. Wenger even went down into the dressing room to meet with the players after the victory.</p>



<h2>Statue is just a matter of time for Wenger</h2>



<p>Wenger was always going to get a statue erected outside of the Emirates. After all, he was not only extremely successful during his time in north London, but he was also a major factor in the stadium being built.</p>



<p>The manager will join current statues of Herbert Chapman, Thierry Henry, Tony Adams, and Dennis Bergkamp at the arena. Exact plans on timing are not yet confirmed. However, there has been a suggestion that Wenger’s statue could be completed as early as next year.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: Imago/PA Images</em></p>


Arsenal will finally build a statue of legendary manager Arsene Wenger outside of Emirates Stadium in north London.

Arsenal to erect Arsene Wenger statue at Emirates Stadium - World Soccer Talk

Arsenal to erect Arsene Wenger statue at Emirates Stadium


<p>Arsenal’s rebuild arrived out of necessity. In the previous two decades, the London-based club consistently finished in the top four of the Premier League. In fact, the Gunners qualified for <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0239-0e970bbed6d8-1a5b9f71f4c2-1000--most-consecutive-uefa-champions-league-campaigns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">19 straight Champions League group stages</a> until 2017/18.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, the fan base developed an expectation of domestic and, at least to some extent, European success. Now, Arsenal finds itself outside of the conversation for Champions League qualification. While Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea battle for Premier League titles, the club from the Emirates Stadium is simply a mid-table side.</p>
<p>Arsenal’s rebuild is one that will take time. Of course, different people have different perspectives on acceptable durations of rebuild before the club should blow it up and try again. In Arsenal’s case, the foundation is there.</p>
<h3>Patience with Arsenal’s rebuild</h3>
<p>Most sports fans don’t exactly react well to the word ‘patience’ regarding their favorite team. Unfortunately for many teams, supporters want convincing results immediately.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, there are some cases in which patience is undoubtedly needed. Perhaps the most common need for calmness and patience is when a particular team is young but shows potential. Or, the club’s manager is clearly building for the future. Both of these examples happen to be true at Arsenal right now.</p>
<p>Just four years ago, Arsenal’s players had an <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/premier-league/altersschnitt/wettbewerb/GB1/plus/?saison_id=2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">average age of 26.5</a>, which was about average for Premier League clubs at the time. That middle-of-the-pack squad finished <a href="https://footballdatabase.com/league-scores-tables/england-premier-league-2017-18" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sixth in the Premier League</a>. Good for a Europa League spot, but not up to the standards and without a clear view for the future.</p>
<p>However, at the start of the current campaign, the Gunners now average just <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/premier-league/altersschnitt/wettbewerb/GB1/plus/?saison_id=2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">24.1 years old</a>. Remarkably, this is almost a whole year younger than the second-youngest team, Brentford.</p>
<p>The nearly two-and-a-half year difference may not seem like a big deal to some, but they are the youngest Premier League squad since 2008/09 (also Arsenal).</p>
<h5>Transfer Window</h5>
<p>Manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu developed crystal clear plan for the summer transfer market for Arsenal’s rebuild. They wanted to buy young, talented players that both fit the club’s current system well and will progressive over time. All six summer signings by the north London club were aged 21-23.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>READ MORE:&nbsp;</strong></em><em>Grading Europe’s biggest clubs’ transfer windows.</em></p>
<p>Many pundits criticized Arsenal’s spending, which <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/premier-league/einnahmenausgaben/wettbewerb/GB1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">led all Premier League clubs</a> in terms of expenditure. Much of that came from the fact that many believed Arsenal needed immediate results, not future success. Even then, the new sextet of Gunners performed well in the opening pair of months this season. In fact, new defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was awarded as the club’s Player of the Month for September, with Aaron Ramsdale finishing second in the poll.</p>
<div id="attachment_344114" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-344114" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-344114 size-medium" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20211026_CMS_351234_79a6f5517383ec18e9a9d317572a11b23db6da7d-300x200_544d9a15.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/79a6f5517383ec18e9a9d317572a11b23db6da7d-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/79a6f5517383ec18e9a9d317572a11b23db6da7d-600x400.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/79a6f5517383ec18e9a9d317572a11b23db6da7d-150x100.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/79a6f5517383ec18e9a9d317572a11b23db6da7d.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure><p id="caption-attachment-344114" class="wp-caption-text">Photo credit: AFP</p></div>
<h3>Arsenal’s immediate results</h3>
<p>Along with this young crop of players, Arteta is also a young coach. This combination will almost certainly guarantee some growing pains along the way. Despite the fact that the Spaniard led Arsenal to another FA Cup trophy in his first season as a head coach, Arteta is still learning and will only get better leading his team.</p>
<p>Gunner supporters took to Twitter following a disappointing draw against Crystal Palace last week, with some large fan accounts even suggesting that the draw should be the end of Arteta’s days as the club’s manager. Four days following the discouraging match, Arsenal managed to bounce back with an emphatic victory of Aston Villa.</p>
<p>There will undoubtedly be ups and downs throughout the current campaign with this group of players, such is the nature of a young squad and a young manager.</p>
<p>However, there is reason to feel cautiously optimistic about Arsenal’s future. The more this young team plays, the more comfortable and confident they will be. Surely a handful of COVID-19 cases and injuries contributed to Arsenal’s slow start this season. In fact, Arsenal’s first choice defending five (including goalkeeper) did not all play together until their win against Norwich on September 11. Since these players have been on the pitch together, the Gunners remain unbeaten in all competitions.</p>
<p>Some expected the so-called ‘process’ to progress a bit more than it has so far, but it was always going to take time. Arsenal have, however, seem to be headed in the proper direction.</p>
<p>With the club just three points adrift of a Champions League place with three-quarters of the season remaining, this group of youngsters should soon be back in contention for a European spot once again.</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1145712904&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="300" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;"><a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="Premier League Eyes $3 Billion Rights Deal In U.S." href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/premier-league-eyes-3-billion-rights-deal-in-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League Eyes $3 Billion Rights Deal In U.S.</a></div>

Arsenal’s rebuild requires patience with young roster

The Gunners are not the squad they used to be. Arsenal's rebuild is a necessary one. Therefore, it should demand patience over pressure.

Arsenal's rebuild requires patience with young roster - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Emirates Stadium. Find out about all the news related to Emirates Stadium on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Emirates Stadium"