Arsenal transfer priority could not be clearer as Stan Kroenke boosted by £81m windfall

Arsenal made an eye-watering profit in player sales during the summer of 2024, granting them the freedom to splash the cash the following year

Arsenal boasted a player trading profit of £81.2million in the latest financial accounts for the year ending May 31, 2025. The Gunners made an overall loss of just £1.4m for the year 2025, down from £17.7m in 2024, thanks to an improvement in operations during the summer and winter transfer windows.

The results were, of course, helped by impressive performances in both the Premier League, where they finished second, and the UEFA Champions League, where they reached the semi-finals. Had Arsenal not encountered an impairment of player registrations worth £15.2m, they would have made a substantial overall profit.

During the summer of 2024, the Gunners signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for an initial £33.7m, which could rise to £42m after add-ons, and Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for an initial £27.4m (€32.5m), plus £4.2m in add-ons.

Arsenal also tied David Raya down on a permanent basis following an initial season-long loan from Brentford, forking out £27m. The Gunners signed Raheem Sterling and Neto on loan from Chelsea and Bournemouth, respectively, too.

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According to the the latest financial accounts published by Arsenal, the book value of 'intangible fixed assets' decreased to £399m from £486.6m in 2024. As for outgoings, Arsenal raised nearly £100m in player sales.

Fulham signed Emile Smith Rowe for an initial £27m, plus £7m in add-ons, and Southampton signed Aaron Ramsdale for an initial £18m, plus a £1m relegation clause – which wasn't activated – and £6m in add-ons.

The Gunners also managed to get £30m out of Crystal Palace for Eddie Nketiah. The three deals helped contribute to the rise in profit on player sales from £52.4m in 2023/24 to £81.2m in 2024/25.

Last summer's business was followed up by a spending spree of almost £300m, while only making about £10m in sales. Nevertheless, an official statement from Arsenal noted the role of Stan Kroenke.

It reads: "Strategic funding is provided mainly by the ultimate parent company, KSE UK Inc., which is wholly owned by the ultimate controlling party, Mr. E. S. Kroenke.

"During the year KSE UK Inc. provided funds both to underpin the club’s transfer activities and for working capital purposes as required."

Meanwhile, Richard Garlick, the Gunners CEO said: "These financial results show a positive trajectory as we continue to pursue major trophies, following our second successive season back in the men’s UEFA Champions League in 2024/25.

"The investment in our teams, supported by revenue growth, resulted in strong campaigns for both our men’s and women’s teams last season.

"Our industry continues to face challenges in terms of the level of investment it takes to compete at the highest level in the face of rising costs in a regulated environment. This remains an important consideration as we look ahead.

"As we move into 2026, it’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of Arsenal. We continue to build something special on the back of these improved financial results.

"Our teams are pushing on to do everything we can to deliver major trophies and I want to thank all our staff for their passion and commitment to achieving our goals.

"The next few months represent a great opportunity for us all and it’s important we continue to build momentum together."

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