Tottenham stadium: Arsene Wenger says Spurs must move if they are to compete with likes of Arsenal
The Gunners switched from Highbury to the Emirates in 2006
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Tottenham will never maximise their potential on or off the field until they have moved to a new stadium.
On Saturday afternoon, the two north London sides will go head to head at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners' 60,000-seater home since 2006 for which the club continue to pay off at around £35million per year against a long-term fixed interest rate bond.
Spurs are pushing ahead with proposals to redevelop land around White Hart Lane to accommodate a new 56,250-capacity venue, but following legal challenges in the High Court could be set for a season of ground-sharing rather than being able to move for the 2017-18 campaign as planned.
Wenger said: "You cannot be in a business where you turn down 15,000 or 20,000 people every week. If your competitors have more financial power than you, at some stage you have to make a decision.
"It looks like everybody makes this decision now, because when you look at Liverpool, Everton, (they) want to increase their capacity. West Ham go to a bigger stadium next season so if you stay in a smaller capacity, it is even more difficult."
Wenger added: "We built our stadium at a price that you couldn't afford it anymore and by subsidising it with our own resources, that is much more difficult today."
Arsenal's latest financial figures, which covered the year ended May 31, 2014, showed a £4.7million profit, increased turnover up to £301.9million and cash reserves of some £173million.
Those results also disclosed £3million had been paid to the company of majority shareholder Stan Kroenke for 'strategic and advisory services' relating to Arsenal's broadband division, which has angered some fans' groups in wake of increased ticket costs.
Wenger moved to allay any fears. He said: "I don't think there should be concern because we only do what is legal at the club."
The Arsenal manager added: "Our profits did sink and are not as big as it was the years before because we spent a lot of money.
"It is good to have a little cushion in case we need to buy when the right players come up (and) if we need to strengthen the squad, we will do it.
"But I think in the last two years, we have invested a lot of money and we will continue to do so with the money that is available."
Wenger indicated he could deploy Ozil in a central role again on Saturday, the German having made such an impact in the 3-0 win at Aston Villa.
A much-changed Arsenal were beaten 2-1 at home by Southampton in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.
Wenger expects a response, adding: "It (beating Spurs) has a psychological impact on the confidence of the team."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments