Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has reassured Arsenal fans the Kroenke ownership has the resources to improve the stadium and continue investing in transfers.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted Gunners fans can be “comfortable” despite previous disgruntlement with the US investors.
In a recent interview with ESPN (30 July), co-chair Josh Kroenke revealed initial “internal conversations” have taken place about upgrading Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
The news comes 18 years after the 60,704-capacity Emirates Stadium was opened at a cost of about £390million.
Arsenal have invested heavily in their playing squad in recent windows, signing the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for mega-money fees.
Arsenal can improve stadium and sign big-money stars, says Wyness
Wyness insisted the Kroenke family, who increased their ownership to 90% in 2018, will continue to prioritise on-pitch investment even if they redevelop the stadium.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I remember the ownership structure when the Emirates was originally built, it was reliant on loans and debt.
“They didn’t have the deep pockets to do it.
“Now we know Kroenke has the resources and the facilities to get this done.
“He’s also aware that the football side is the key to success.
“Arsenal are in a good position to develop the stadium and stay on top of the football side.
“The issue will be what can actually be done to add capacity to the stadium.
“It’s an engineering problem. They can’t just knock it down and build a new one next door, like Man United.
“I think the fans can be comfortable that the football side will not be affected.
“They’re not splashing out all the time right now, but they’re just refreshing and improving the squad year on year.”
