Arsenal players to face 25% salary cut if they fail to secure Champions League qualification

Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are in a tussle with Roberto Martinez’s Everton for the final Champions League spot

Arsenal players could reportedly face a pay cut of up to 25% at the end of the season, should they fail to qualify for the Champions League, according to the Daily Star.

The Gunners have qualified for Europe’s Premier club competition in every one of Arsene Wenger’s 17 years in charge of the club, but with Everton just a point behind them in the race for fourth, there is a real possibility that Arsenal could miss out on returning again next season.

Champions League revenue is vital to Arsenal’s finances, with a minimum of £35 million generated from participation in the competition.

Arsenal tied a number of players to new contracts in recent months and reportedly ensured that there was a clause inserted in their new deals that ensured a wage reduction should the Gunners fail in their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

The Arsenal board is wary of the financial consequences that they could face should they not be in the Champions League and with the squad needing key areas strengthened again in the summer, a loss of revenue could hamper their chances of recruiting the top players required to launch a title bid next season.

Player wages are the main drain on the club’s coffers and the gunners have ensured that they can cut those outgoings in the event that they are forced to play a season in the Europa League.