Mikel Arteta responds to planned Arsenal job cuts

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly addressed the club's decision to undergo a major off-field restructuring. Chief executive Richard Garlick recently informed staff of plans to reduce the workforce by up to 60 positions, impacting approximately seven percent of the club's permanent employees.

The restructuring comes despite Arsenal reporting a record turnover of £691 million for the 2024-25 season. The club has confirmed that neither the playing squads nor the coaching staff for the men's or women's teams will be affected by these reductions.

First, this question is not for me. It was explained to me about the exercise, and the analysis that has been done across the club, and with the intention always to evolve to improve. Some decisions have to be taken to put people in the right roles, and keep investing, to achieve what we want to achieve the success that we want to create. Mikel Arteta

Arteta maintained that his responsibilities are strictly confined to the pitch and that he is not the appropriate person to discuss internal administrative staffing. He expressed hope that his focus on football operations would be respected as the club navigates this transition.

The focus now shifts back to the pitch, with a critical run of fixtures ahead. Arsenal are set to host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this Sunday, followed by an important trip to Germany to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League.