Arsenal are planning to expand the Emirates Stadium and are weighing several options, including a short-term relocation while construction is underway. The north London club has been at the Emirates for 20 years since leaving Highbury, and the 60,000-seat venue is now one of the older grounds in the Premier League.
Expansion Options Under Review
According to City AM, 'all options remain on the table' for increasing capacity. These range from modest upgrades to hospitality areas to major construction that would require the team to play elsewhere temporarily. Arsenal are in discussions with Populous, the architects who designed the Emirates, as well as Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Capacity Rankings Shift
When Arsenal moved in, the Emirates was the second-largest stadium in the Premier League after Old Trafford. However, new venues and expansions have changed the landscape: Tottenham's ground now holds 62,850, West Ham's London Stadium 62,500, and Liverpool's Anfield 61,276. The Emirates now ranks fifth in the Premier League and sixth in England, behind Wembley (90,000). Other top grounds include Manchester City's Etihad (55,097), Everton's Hill Dickinson (52,769), and Newcastle's St James' Park (52,338).
Arteta Praises Unique Atmosphere
Manager Mikel Arteta recently experienced what he called a 'unique' atmosphere at the Emirates during the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, which Arsenal won 1-0. 'The way we were welcomed outside the stadium was special. The atmosphere, our support created energy—I never felt that in the stadium,' Arteta said after the match, which sent Arsenal to their second-ever Champions League final against PSG.
The expansion plans aim to build on that momentum while ensuring the club remains competitive both on and off the pitch.
