The most recent round of negotiations over a player wage-cut at Arsenal have failed to bear fruit, according to widespread sources.
Premier League measures
The subject of wage-cuts has of course been headline news in the world of football for several weeks now.
As clubs attempt to cut costs amid the unprecedented situation brought forth by the COVID-19 crisis, staff members at every level have been affected to at least some degree throughout Europe and beyond.
Heavyweight clubs the likes of Juventus, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, for example, have announced major wage-cuts for their respective first-team squads:
Atletico Madrid players confirm they will take a 70% salary cut to help protect the club’s 430 non-playing staff pic.twitter.com/o7Yv9saXP9
— brfootball (@brfootball) April 2, 2020
To this point, however, no Premier League outfit have taken such steps.
Newcastle United and Norwich City have announced that non-playing staff at the club have been placed on furlough, with Liverpool and Tottenham having been forced to backtrack on similar decisions following a heavy public backlash.
Southampton’s first-team squad, meanwhile, have seen their wages affected, albeit by means of a deferral, rather than an actual wage-cut.
#SaintsFC can detail measures it is taking as part of the club’s ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic: https://t.co/1pMnaqFQMS
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 9, 2020
Arsenal stars stand firm
And, as outlined above, the latest club to have seen negotiations over the slashing of pay for players come up short are Arsenal.
As confirmed by a host of reliable sources in the English media, the latest proposal put to Mikel Arteta’s squad in a bid to reduce costs at the club has been knocked back by the Gunners’ stars.
Charles Watts of Goal.com, meanwhile, has provided an insight into some of the finer details of the discussions which took place.
The Arsenal hierarchy are said to have proposed a 12.5% cut in wages spanning the next 12 months.
Such a course of action would see the north Londoners’ salary costs reduced by around £25 million.
As per Watts’ report:
‘There were also incentives included in the offer, including one which stated that the players would be paid in full should they secure Champions League football next season.’
At least three-quarters of Arsenal’s squad would have needed to agree to these terms for such measures to be put in place.
In the end, however, while some provided their backing, the figure fell well short of the required 75%.
Arsenal players reject latest proposal aimed at reducing the wage bill – Talks will continue, Arsenal have made it clear a reduction is a necessity.
Players not against deferrals, but sense of distrust between players/clubs over finances is palpable. https://t.co/grCK9QpCYQ
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) April 14, 2020
The firm stance on the part of Arsenal’s stars may also have been influenced by the PFA.
The Professional Footballers’ Association are reportedly continuing to advise players across the Premier League to reject any and all forms of wage-cuts, in favour of deferrals.
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