Josh Kroenke reveals official stance on £191m plan that could transform Arsenal

Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke has revealed his thoughts on what could be an immensely lucrative scheme for the North London club.

Josh Kroenke has taken more of a front seat role at the Emirates in recent years, taking on his father, Stan Kroenke’s, day-to-day responsibilities.

The Kroenke family have had a lot to do to re-earn the trust of supporters, who were justifiably incensed by the club’s role in Project Big Picture and the European Super League.

But an upturn in the Gunners’ fortunes on the pitch in the last two seasons, as well as a less conservative approach in the transfer market, have gone some way to healing the wounds.

Now, Josh Kroenke has revealed what he thinks about one plan that could be a nig money spinner, but one that is likely to be deeply unpopular with bedrock fans.

Arsenal’s Josh Kroenke against Premier League games in the US

There are a number of notable exceptions, but Arsenal tend to vote as a bloc with the rest of the Big Six in Premier League matters.

The Gunners are one of the clubs backing the expanded Club World Cup, for example.

However, Kroenke has recently disclosed that he does not favour competitive domestic matches being played overseas – and specifically in the US, where Arsenal are currently touring.

As quoted by The Sun, Kroenke offered his opinion at a recent meeting with the club’s Fan Advisory Board.

“While it does sound attractive to a broadcaster or to Fifa, we’re happy with the current arrangement in the schedule, both domestically and in Europe,” he said.

“As a club, we have worked incredibly hard on and off the pitch the past few years and with input led by this group.

“Our goal is to re-establish a meaningful connection with our supporters, help shape club policy where appropriate and develop trust in the direction we are heading as a club.

“For anyone who has been at the Emirates the past few years, what we have now is very special.

“I believe the people in this room have helped turn our home stadium into a fortress.

“We want to host as many matches as possible so our players feel the love and injection of energy that is provided by the fans.”

His comments come at a time when Premier League games in the US is a hot topic.

Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley has distanced himself from plans for a ’39th game’ in the States, while senior American TV execs are pushing to bring the Premier League to their shores.

Significantly, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also advocated the move, giving the push to take games Stateside much needed political capital.

Arsenal earned £191m in broadcast income in 2022-23, which was a club record.

But they can expect that figure to be supercharged if, seemingly against Kroenke’s wishes, Premier League games are taken overseas for the first time.

• READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS: Arsenal set for £135m transfer prize that will never happen again as deal agreed

TBR Analysis: What is Arsenal’s financial status amid Viktor Gyokeres transfer talk

Kroenke has run a tight ship at Arsenal.

He favours a self-sufficient model, with the aim being for Arsenal to live within their means.

However, their revenue was the lowest of any of the clubs in the so-called Big Six at the last count.

That has meant that Kroenke has had to depart from his usual stability-first model in order to keep Arsenal competitive on the pitch.

That situation may have changed by the time they release their accounts for 2023-24 thanks to their return to the Champions League.

But under-part commercial income means the club still have a lot to do to catch up with their peers.

Premier League and UEFA Profit and Sustainability Rules means that Kroenke cannot continue free-spending indefinitely. At some point, revenue needs to soar.

They have plenty of headroom in terms of PSR at present, but the legacy of a handful of expense-heavy transfer windows will mean that the Gunners will be counting the cost further down the line.

That will affect Arsenal’s pursuits of, for example, Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres, a Sporting Lisbon attacker is valued at £86m, is admired by Mikel Arteta and Edu and would represent a marquee signing for the club this summer.