Keith Wyness drops intriguing Josh Kroenke claim ‘from my Arsenal sources’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted he has been impressed by Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke after he ignited speculation about a stadium expansion.
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 Kroenke is “very well thought of” by his sources at the Emirates Stadium.
In a recent interview with ESPN (30 July), Kroenke revealed initial “internal conversations” have taken place about upgrading Arsenal’s home.
The bombshell news comes 18 years after the Emirates Stadium was opened.
It holds 60,704 and was built in two years at a cost of around £390 million.
The Gunners have around 100,000 fans on the waiting list for a season ticket – a figure which has sky-rocketed with their recent success in the Premier League.
Kroenke has vision to spearhead Emirates Stadium renovation, says Wyness
Wyness insisted Arsenal must take the chance to keep the Emirates Stadium “relevant” if it can be done.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “The land around the Emirates is quite closed-in, as with most UK stadiums in city centres.
“They all have those kinds of problems.
“I remember when it was opened and we were there for the first time, it seems like yesterday – but actually, it must be 17 or 18 years ago.
“Of course, it’s time to look at what can be done to keep it relevant.
“I do think an increase in capacity should be looked at, if it’s possible.
“Josh Kroenke has impressed me with how he’s handled things. He’s not been too visible, which is good.
“I understand from all my sources at Arsenal that he’s very well thought of and is handling things well.
“There’s no doubt that the Kroenkes have the foresight and vision, and they’ll be looking with architects to see what can be done.
“I think it would be fantastic for Arsenal if they can refresh it in some way.
“If there is a way forward, it’s a chance they should take.”
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