With the Champions League final approaching tomorrow, Arsenal supporters are reflecting on what could have been. However, for Stan Kroenke, the financial landscape of the 2024-25 season has been undeniably successful.
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to the European semi-finals for only the third time in the club’s history, generating nearly £100m in prize money along the journey, as noted in a recent report.
In the Premier League, Arsenal fell short again, finishing as runners-up for the third consecutive season, tying an all-time English record. Despite this, the financial gap between Arsenal in 2nd place and Liverpool in 1st remains minimal, estimated at £2-3m this season—a sum Kroenke hardly concerns himself with.
Interestingly, had Arsenal clinched their first Premier League title in over 20 years, any additional prize money would likely have been offset by performance bonuses for players. For Kroenke and his son, Josh Kroenke, a clinical, numerical perspective on the club’s finances is customary, differing from the emotional ties fans have.
Arsenal Will Report a Profit for the First Time Since Kroenke’s Full Ownership
This summer promises to be busy for Arsenal in the transfer market. Despite modest spending in 2024-25, newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta is now on board and actively working on recruitment strategies.
However, the club’s £268m transfer debt—the fourth-highest in the Premier League—raises questions about their spending capabilities without additional personal investments from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. University of Liverpool finance expert Kieran Maguire explains that while the debt is significant, a portion isn’t due for a few years, easing immediate spending pressures.
If Arsenal ends the 2024-25 season in profit, it will mark their first positive financial outcome since 2017-18. They are also expected to exceed the £500m mark for squad costs, which includes wages and amortization—numbers last seen before Kroenke’s complete takeover of the club.
Arsenal Owe KSE £324m in Shareholder Loans – Implications for PSR
The £324m Arsenal owes to Stan Kroenke could impact their spending under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). This debt, which rose over £60m last season, now falls under regulations concerning associated party transactions and fair market values due to recent legal changes prompted by Manchester City.
While Arsenal currently has leeway under PSR rules, the ongoing contention between Manchester City and the Premier League could complicate matters moving forward. As a result, their financial strategies are under scrutiny, reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of football economics.
