Kieran Maguire: Arsenal ‘in the doldrums’ after £126m news confirmed
Arsenal have been “in the doldrums” in terms of sporting performance – and that has meant their commercial income has tumbled.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Gunners’ annual report for 2020-21.
Data released on Monday (28 February) showed that Arsenal’s commercial income fell from £142.6million in 2019-20 to £126.4m last season.
The likes of Liverpool and Man City meanwhile have posted small commercial profits despite the handicap of the pandemic.
The Gunners posted a total loss of £107.3m after matchday income was wiped out as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
Mikel Arteta’s side endured a trophyless season and finished 8th in the Premier League in 2020-21.
And Maguire blames the Gunners’ commercial downturn on poor showing on the pitch across the campaign.
“This is a function of matches taking place behind closed doors and not buying merchandise on the day,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“But it’s also representative of the fact that Arsenal are in the doldrums in terms of sporting performance.
“The reason Liverpool and Man City have maintained their commercial income is that they are delivering in terms of trophies and profile.
“They are also qualifying for the Champions League, and that is where they want to be.”
Arteta’s side have enjoyed a more fruitful 2021-22 and are currently 6th in the Premier League with several games in hand on the team above them.
They travel to face 19th-place Watford tomorrow (6 March).
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