The Emirates Stadium opened in 2006 but some think the outside is beginning to look faded

ARSENAL fans have been told the cost of going to games will rise despite the club’s hit-and-miss performances on the pitch and a season certain to end without a trophy.

The club, which is battling to secure a money-spinning return to the European Champions League in a race to the finish with several other clubs, announced that all season and matchday tickets would be increased by four per cent.

The Gunners said that prices had been frozen for seven years but said it was trying to break even financially.

“In response to supporter feedback around ticket pricing and supporting our younger fans, we are announcing a suite of new measures targeted at these fans starting from next season,” a club statement.

“A new discount of 25 per cent is being introduced for General Admission season-ticket holders and match by match ticket purchasers aged between 19 and 21. Cannon members aged 17 and 18 already benefit from a 57 per cent discount in the Family Enclosure and will now be able to enjoy that benefit anywhere in General Admission Emirates Stadium. Finally, we will improve access for Junior Gunners (16 and under) to attend matches with Red members in the Family Enclosure, still at a 66 per cent discount, enabling more young fans to come to matches.”

Arsenal is looking to pay for improvements to the Emirates Stadium, including a refurbishment of the rood, new big screens and quick-entry turnstile readers. The murals of legendary players which are wrapped around the building are to come down

Rivals Spurs opened a brand new state-of-the-art ground in April 2019 and the Gunners have had to listen to sports journalists and visiting supporters wax on about how it is one of the greatest football arenas in the world.

Arsenal’s club statement added: “We recognise that no one welcomes price increases, and this decision has not been taken lightly. Ultimately in the face of continued rising costs, we need to continue to drive growth in all our revenue streams – including matchday – as part of our aim to return our finances to a break-even position in the medium term.”

If Arsenal do not qualify for Europe, the average cost of a season ticket will rise by £40. If the team reaches the Europa League – the continent’s secondary tournament – then the price will go up by £44, and the increase will be around £49 if they get to play in the Champions League next season.

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