Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is said to be leading the players’ revolt after the club announced plans to make 55 members of staff redundant.
Arsenal are facing a backlash after bosses announced the proposed job cuts, blaming the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on club finances.
The Daily Mail says members of Mikel Arteta’s squad reacted with dismay to the job cuts announcement with sources saying former captain Xhaka was among the most vocal in discussions between the players that followed Wednesday’s news.
His upset was widely shared by his teammates, with the proposed job cull being revealed just four months after most of Arsenal’s players were encouraged to agree pay cuts in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
They had believed that by accepting a 12.5 per cent cut, reduced to 7.5 per cent after qualifying for the Europa League, they would protect the jobs of Arsenal staff.
So they were stunned to find out at the end of a conference call with head of football Raul Sanllehi and managing director Vinai Venkatesham, that a significant number would still be made redundant.
Players are angry and plan to speak with the club about their decision to make 55 employees redundant.
The Gunners announced on Wednesday that they would be cutting 10 per cent of their permanent staff due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Athletic says the first-team squad are frustrated with the decision as they took a 12.5 per cent pay-cut under the premise that the club would help protect their lower paid employees.
Potential signings are also becoming wary of joining the Gunners as they made be blamed for the decision to sack 55 people.
It has been reported that reputed head of international scouting Francis Cagigao will be let go, while other changes to the scouting department are expected.
The Gunners are facing financial troubles while star man Mesut Ozil earns £350,000-a-week, which equates to £18million-a-year, despite being out of favour with head coach Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners also received a financial boost this week when they won the FA Cup, thereby qualifying for European football – earning them £2.6m in prize money. This could rise up to £41m, depending on how far the Gunners go in next year’s tournament.
Billionaire owner Stan Kroenke has not made any similar changes at his NFL club, the Los Angeles Rams.
The American has been disconnected with Arsenal’s supporters since he arrived at the club and that relationship has become further strained with his immoral decision this week.
Furthermore, Kroenke’s wealth has grown by £300m during 2020, according to American thinktank Billionaire Bonanza 2020. The American businessman is believed to be worth around £8.1bn.
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