Arsenal players unhappy with club chiefs after being told how they can avoid taking a pay cut

Arsenal have reportedly told their players that they will not have to take a pay-cut for losses suffered by the club during the coronavirus crisis, should they qualify for the Champions League this season.

According to a report in The Telegraph, the move has not gone down well with the Gunners’ stars, with the report claiming the move is a non-starter with many of the squad.

Before football across Europe was brought to a standstill due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Mikel Arteta’s side were five points and four positions off the Champions League places.

However, the team who finishes fifth could qualify for next season’s Champions League should Manchester City’s appeal against UEFA banning them from the competition be unsuccessful.

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The Telegraph claims that the measure was put to Arsenal players this week as the club tried to negotiate a pay cut.

Arsenal wage bill is believed to be £230 million annually, with director Josh Kroenke, son of owner Stan, describing it as “a Champions League wage bill on a Europa League budget”.

The club also reported losses of £27.1 million in February after missing out on a place in this season’s Champions League last year.

Only players from Southampton and West Ham have agreed to take pay deferrals so far, with a spokesman for Arsenal telling the publication that nothing had yet been agreed by the club with its players.