Arsenal Emirates Stadium expansion plans revealed as Wembley Stadium plan emerges

Arsenal have plans to expand Emirates Stadium (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Arsenal are exploring options to expand Emirates Stadium with the club keen to increase capacity beyond 70,000.

Current capacity at the north London stadium is 60,700 but the Gunners want to make Emirates Stadium the biggest Premier League ground in London, according to The Telegraph. The report states that Arsenal are planning a "major expansion" which could mean the club play home matches at Wembley Stadium for a period.

It's said that "detailed work" has gone into a potential overhaul of the stadium which may mean the gradient of the stands are changed, while the stadium’s seating plan could also be altered to fit in more fans. The enhanced capacity would not only mean additional revenue, it would also satisfy the season ticket waiting list which is believed to stand in excess of 100,000.

While the plan is described as complex, it is likely to involve adding to almost every part of the stadium rather than just one stand, and would cost hundreds of millions to complete.

Arsenal secured planning permission for Emirates Stadium in May 2002 and construction work began two years later. The Gunners officially moved into their new home in 2006, bidding farewell to Highbury after 93 years.

Arsenal stayed at Highbury while the Emirates Stadium was built but would likely require a temporary home while expansion works are carried out, the Telegraph reports. It's said that Arsenal have studied the expansion of Real Madrid’s now 83,000-capacity Bernabeu and believe matchday revenue would increase substantially if works are completed.

While Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was being built, Spurs paid £15million to play home matches at Wembley Stadium for almost two years and it's thought the national stadium would be the most obvious option if an agreement can be reached with the FA.

The Kroenke family have invested heavily in Arsenal's playing squad in recent years. Over the summer more than £260million was spent on fresh talent with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie all joining the Gunners.

The expansion plans have emerged after Arsenal announced several leadership changes in September, with Richard Garlick promoted to chief executive following the departure of executive vice-chairman Tim Lewis. Kelly Blaha, Dave Steiner, Otto Maly and Ben Winston have also joined the club's board of directors as they "will bring the KSE family closer together and offer a wide range of expertise to strengthen Arsenal".

Josh Kroenke said: “We are delighted to promote Rich to CEO after an incredibly successful period as Managing Director of Arsenal. Rich has made an enormous impact on all fronts as we continue to strive to win major trophies, be financially sustainable and put our supporters at the heart of everything.

“At this moment, we would like to thank Tim for his continued dedication and commitment to Arsenal in a period of transformational change for the club. He has played a pivotal role and ensured we are in a great position to continue to deliver our strategy in our ambition to win major trophies.

“In keeping with our desire to always move forward, we will strengthen our Board with some exciting additions who will bring vast experience to the club across a wide range of professions. The group know and love Arsenal, and will bring a different skillset and expertise while injecting fresh thinking and energy to support us all to achieve our ambitions.”