Arsenal players angered by redundancies and want to speak to club

Players have already taken a pay-cut

Arsenal's players were angered by Wednesday's announcement that the club would be making 55 redundancies and want to speak to the club about the issue, according to The Athletic. The job cuts to around 10 per cent of the club's permanent staff were announced yesterday, with the club explaining that: "Our main sources of income have all reduced significantly. Revenue from broadcasters, matchday and commercial activities have all been hit severely and these impacts will continue into at least the forthcoming 2020/21 season." But the first team squad are frustrated by the club's decision, having already taken a 12.5 per cent pay-cut under the premise that it would help protect lower paid jobs within the club. Some players are particularly keen to discuss the issue with the hierarchy. Current and potentially new players are reportedly fearful that any new contracts could be blamed for the redundancies after the club statement cited "investment in the team" as one of the reasons behind the lay-offs. Some Arsenal employees have been informed that they are being let go, while others are yet to discover whether their department will be affected. One of the affected departments is the scouting department, with the Mail yesterday reporting that head of international scouting Francis Cagigao would be let go, with domestic chief scouts Peter Clark and Brian McDermott also in danger of losing their jobs. Cagigao has been with the club for over 20 years and is credited with unearthing Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin. The decision to gut the scouting department lays bare Arsenal's new, agent-dependent approach to the transfer market, with Kia Joorabchian a key contact whose client Willian is close to joining Arsenal on a free transfer. Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke also owns NFL side LA Rams, who have not yet made any redundancies.