By Daily Sports on April 21, 2020

Arsenal have agreed a 12.5% pay cut for 12 months with their playing staff and senior coaches following lengthy discussions over the past two weeks.

The wage reduction will come into effect before the end of April and last until March 2021, although the club have vowed to repay the amounts agreed if the team hits certain on-field performance targets in the coming season.

Sources close to the deal have told ESPN the money will be returned in full if Champions League qualification is secured while the players will receive a lower figure if they seal a Europa League spot.

A club statement on Monday read: “We are pleased to announce that we 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.

“The move follows positive and constructive discussions. 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.

“The agreement is based on the assumption we will finish the season 2019/20 and receive the full broadcasting revenues. The resulting savings will help cover some of the financial risks we have this season in relation to our matchday and commercial income.”

The first-team squad, represented in negotiations by their Professional Footballers' Association representative Hector Bellerin, was understood to have been initially surprised at being asked to take a permanent reduction when other Premier League clubs were discussing wage deferrals.

Bellerin was believed to have been torn over the situation, recognising the need to fight for his teammates but also understanding the wider financial pressure on the club and football as a whole in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. (ESPN)

•PHOTO: Arsenal players 

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 21, 2020

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