Arsenal are reported to be exploring the possibility of expanding the Emirates Stadium to reach a capacity of 80,000.
The Gunners, whose home boasts a total of 60,704, lost the honour of having London’s largest club ground when the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium formalised its capacity of 62,850 in 2019.
According to Bloomberg, “people familiar with the matter” have revealed that Arsenal are looking at ways to regain that title, with preliminary conversations held about raising the total capacity as high as 80,000.
“We are continually looking at ways to improve our facilities,” said an Arsenal spokesperson in response. “It is premature to talk about any expansion plans of Emirates Stadium.”
Club co-chair Josh Kroenke revealed earlier this year that Arsenal were considering ways to upgrade the Emirates.
“It would be premature to talk about any plans in depth, but the internal conversations are starting to occur about [the stadium],” he told ESPN. “It is not an easy renovation, but we see the possibilities of what’s there.”
Among the complications involved in such a project is the likely need to find a temporary home while any building work is conducted. Large space in London is incredibly limited – Wembley is one of very few feasible options – and fellow expansion-hopefuls Chelsea may also find themselves searching for a place to play for a year or two.