Arsenal could leave Newcastle United even further behind with PSR busting stadium plan

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Newcastle United fans are waiting nervously to discover what the club are going to do with St James’ Park.

Given the demand for tickets from Newcastle United fans, there is clearly a need for a bigger stadium. That has been evident since the change of ownership at St James’ Park, as it feels like every game has been a sell out since PIF‘s arrival.

However, there is not a straightforward solution. Expanding St James’ Park is not easy, while building a completely new stadium presents its own issues. There would be a large portion of fans against a new stadium, with St James’ Park seen as home.

It was recently reported that it could cost £1billion to expand St James’ Park. In contrast, a completely new, state of the art stadium could be built for similar money.

Some Newcastle fans have come round to the idea of a new stadium, while Eddie Howe has stated that he would like to remain at St James’ Park.

There is hope that a decision will be made in early 2025, as Toon officials ponder what is best for the club and it supporters.

A bigger stadium would allow the club to increase its matchday revenue, while there would probably be even greater scope for more money coming into the club if Newcastle United had a brand new ground that was purpose buit.

That financial aspect will also come into Newcastle’s thinking.

Arsenal explore stadium expansion

But while Newcastle are assessing their options, their Premier League rivals are making plans of their own.

According to the Times, Arsenal are currently looking into the possibility of expanding the Emirates Stadium.

With 60,000 seats, it is one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League. However, Arsenal want it to be even bigger, as they aim to increase their revenue.

The Times report that Arsenal are estimated to earn more than £120million per season from matchday revenue. In comparison, their rivals Tottenham earn around £6million-a-game following the construction of their new stadium.

Arsenal appear to feel as if they are trailing behind their rivals, as they search for ways to increase their revenue and relieve the pressure of PSR.

And if Arsenal are trailing behind then where does that leave Newcastle? The Magpies are well behind, and are at risk of falling behind further.

Arsenal want more, while Manchester United are looking to redevelop Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Toon fans wait for a decision on the future of St James’ Park, at a time when PSR has become a constant nuisance on Tyneside.

St James’ Park could suffer same fate as Highbury

For many Newcastle United fans, it will be agonising if the club decide to move out of St James’ Park and build a new stadium.

St James’ Park is special, and saying goodbye would feel like removing part of the club’s soul.

That was a reality for Arsenal fans almost 20 years ago, when they waved goodbye to Highbury and began playing at the Emirates Stadium.

Highbury was an iconic English ground, just like St James’ Park is today. Now it is resigned to history, while it remains to be seen if St James’ Park will suffer the same fate.

Some will argue that it has to if Newcastle are ever going to compete with the ‘big six’.