Arsenal’s first-team squad, manager Mikel Arteta and key coaching staff have agreed a 12.5 per cent pay cut to help the club deal with the fallout of the coronavirus crisis.
After fellow Premier League clubs Southampton and West Ham announced wage deferral agreements with their players, the Gunners have made a breakthrough with their squad.
Arsenal say they have reached a “voluntary agreement with our first-team players, head coach and core coaching staff to help support the club at this critical time” following “positive and constructive discussions”.
A statement from the north London club read: “In these conversations there has been a clear appreciation of the gravity of the current situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a strong desire for players and staff to show their backing for the Arsenal family.
“Reductions of total annual earnings by 12.5% will come into effect this month, with the contractual paperwork being completed in the coming days.
“If we meet specific targets in the seasons ahead, primarily linked to success on the pitch, the club will repay agreed amounts.
“We will be able to make those repayments as hitting these targets, which the players can directly influence, will mean our financial position will be stronger.
