(Credit: Imago)

James Murray

Wed 11 March 2026 18:45, UK

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Arsenal are right to be paying set-piece coach Nicolas Jover individual bonuses following their success this season. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider the Gunners will be handing out various different bonuses at the Emirates Stadium.

The Athletic reported on 2 March Jover’s contract includes a bonus clause for goals from dead-ball situations. 

The 44-year-old, who joined Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff from Man City in July 2021, has played an integral role in the north London giants’ success from set pieces this season.

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League, having scored 32 per cent of their league goals from dead-ball situations. 

Why Arsenal’s deal with Nicolas Jover ‘makes sense’

Arsenal have been criticised for their approach to set pieces this season, with various incidents taking place in the penalty area in their games. 

However, Arteta’s side are the joint-highest scorers in the Premier League alongside Man City with 59 goals, while they have the best defensive record in the top flight, having conceded on just 22 occasions in 30 matches. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed the clauses in Jover’s contract at the Emirates.

“Well, there obviously are all sorts of bonuses around position and success,” said Borson.

“I think to have somebody on a pure set-piece coach contract is a relatively new development anyway. 

“I think if you are doing that, and if you are having somebody whose specific role is to improve defensive work, on set pieces and offensive on set pieces, then it makes sense that they should be bonused according to the output, so it doesn’t surprise me, and clearly this is quite lucrative.” 

Why Premier League could ‘clamp down’ on Arsenal corner issue

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider he believes the Premier League will “clamp down” on Arsenal by addressing the issues around set pieces.

Holding in the box is becoming more frequent between opposition players, with referees criticised for not taking firmer action this season. 

It could mean Arsenal have to change the way they approach set pieces, providing a potential blow for Jover.

However, Arteta will be confident his specialist coach can continue to find a way to help the Gunners score from dead-ball situations.