Mikel Arteta defends Arsenal cutting 60 jobs just a week after he signed a new £20m-a-season contract

Arsenal posted revenue of £691m last season — a club record — yet still reported a £1.4m loss, marking seven straight years in the red. Staff were told this week by chief executive Richard Garlick that a Boston Consulting Group review has triggered plans to cut up to 60 roles. The catering and travel departments are among those facing reductions; first-team coaching staff are not affected. When questioned, Arteta said 'I am not the right person' to respond, and the club then refused to permit any further comment.

Up to seven per cent of Arsenal's 871 permanent employees could be affected by the redundancies.

Arteta's new four-year deal follows the club's first Premier League title since 2004.

Arteta said the cuts came 'with the intention always to evolve to improve'.