Stefan Borson drops Arsenal stadium verdict after preliminary talks

Arsenal are likely to face planning issues after talks have taken place about expanding the Emirates Stadium’s capacity.

That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider he’s read online the number of houses that have been built in Islington since the stadium was built in 2006 could make receiving planning approval easier.

Bloomberg reported on 15 November “preliminary discussions are underway” to expand the Emirates’ capacity from 60,704 to 80,000.

It would see Arsenal’s stadium become the biggest club ground in London, overtaking Tottenham’s 62,500-seater facility.

Arsenal stadium project much easier than rivals’ plans

Borson insisted adding extra seats is much easier than building a new stadium as several Premier League sides are currently considering upgrading their grounds.

He told Football Insider: “Arsenal will have planning issues, probably not as severe as the issues Chelsea have in Kensington, but they will have planning issues.

“I think it’s easier if you are building upon a stadium that’s already there.

“There are all sorts of issues about the volume of people coming in. I assume they think it’s viable to put extra seats in.

“It’s very different from rebuilding a stadium or largely rebuilding a stadium, which is what some of the other clubs are trying to do.

“I have read on Twitter some planning people, who are familiar with Islington that have talked about the number of houses that have been built in Islington since the creation of the stadium.

“Because there has been an increase in housing in the area, apparently that makes it easier for Arsenal to get the approvals that they need from a planning perspective, presumably because of the impact not being as great compared to the population.

“The population has grown so, therefore, from a percentage perspective the impact is less. I assume it’s something around that.

“But anyway, they were favourable in terms of whether they will be able to get approval.”

In other news, significant update on Newcastle interest in Gabriel Jesus.

For more Arsenal and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Stefan Borson drops Arsenal stadium verdict after preliminary talks appeared first on Football Insider.