Arsenal Boosted As Pre-tax Profits Increase

Friday, 28th September, 2012

Arsenal have continued their strong performance off the pitch by announcing a pre-tax profit of £36.6M for the year ending 31st May, 2012.

That amount is up on the £14.8M the Gunners confirmed as their pre-tax profit for the previous year and shows a very impressive level of growth in economic times which are tough for all businesses.

relatedNewsStory Arsenal did increase the amount of money spent on wages, with the figure rising from £124M to £143M – but that total was still just 60% of the club’s turnover.

The figures have delighted the club’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who is confident that the Gunners have the correct long-term approach.

"Clubs, fans and other stakeholders are demanding a more rational financial approach", said Gazidis.

"This reinforces our conviction that our club is strongly placed to succeed over the long term."

Arsenal look likely to see healthy profits once again next year after selling Robin van Persie to Manchester United and Alex Song to Barcelona this summer.

The sale of Van Persie in particular is likely to have kept the club’s wage bill in check, while the signings of Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla, mean that the Gunners have not spent excessively once again.

On the pitch the club are in good form and have surprised many with their defensive solidity.

Arsene Wenger’s men face a big test this weekend though, with the visit of Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium.

Read our betting preview: Arsenal v Chelsea.