Arsenal are exploring a significant redevelopment of their training facilities at London Colney, though plans are understood to still be at an early stage.
The club is believed to be considering a new purpose-built hub designed specifically for the men’s first team, representing a major upgrade to their current setup.
Reports suggest the development could bring the player performance centre, medical and rehabilitation facilities, changing rooms, offices, restaurants, and media facilities all under one roof.
If the works are approved and completed, the existing facilities at London Colney could then be handed over for exclusive use by Arsenal Women.
Securing planning permission is reportedly the biggest hurdle facing the club, though Arsenal do have considerable space available on site if approval can be obtained.
Arsenal have already submitted a planning application for temporary facilities for the women’s team while their existing infrastructure undergoes refurbishment in the meantime.
The training ground plans come alongside separate discussions about potentially expanding the Emirates Stadium, adding further ambition to the club’s long-term infrastructure vision.
Gary Jacob reported for The Times that Arsenal have been weighing up stadium upgrade options, though the club is reluctant to disrupt a winning team by temporarily relocating to Wembley.
Expanding downward to add seats has been identified as a logistical problem due to pipework beneath the ground, meaning financial costs may not justify the addition of 10,000 new seats.
It is considered more likely that Arsenal remodel the ground to add around 5,000 seats, focused primarily on increasing and improving the range of corporate hospitality options available.
While that falls short of a large-scale capacity boost for ordinary supporters, the financial case for premium corporate seating is considerably stronger and easier to justify.
Sam Cunningham reported for City A.M. that Arsenal were in talks with architects Populous over expanding the Emirates, the same firm that originally designed the stadium over two decades ago.
At the time of that report, Cunningham stated that all options remained on the table, ranging from major structural works through to minor hospitality upgrades at the ground.
Taken together, the training ground and stadium discussions paint a picture of a club thinking seriously about its long-term infrastructure and the facilities needed to compete at the highest level.
