David Raya has earned a pay rise

Morning.

It’s an Interlull Wednesday, maybe essentially the most Interlully of all Interlull days. Worldwide video games for many of our gamers begin tomorrow, and we’ll regulate what they do as and after they’re in motion.

Let’s begin right now although with a narrative from the BBC about David Raya receiving a brand new deal from Arsenal. In contrast to current extensions for the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba, which additionally got here with pay will increase, this doesn’t add any time to his present contract, however provides him a wage bump as a reward for his standing as an vital member of our first staff squad.

It’s much like the pay rise given to Leandro Trossard again in August, and whereas it’s a reasonably uncommon factor for a membership to do, I believe it is sensible once you take a look at within the context of the place these gamers got here from, and the way issues have developed at Arsenal. Like Trossard, Raya got here from what we must always in all probability name a financially mid-table membership – as a result of each Brighton and Brentford have, over the past couple of years, achieved nicely sufficient to be across the European locations in the direction of the top of the season.

As such, after they joined Arsenal they received an honest pay bump, however by way of their standing in relation to a few of our high earners, they had been in all probability a way again. Since then, Raya has turn into the unquestioned #1 goalkeeper and some of the constant performers within the league, whereas solely Bukayo Saka has extra aim contributions for the staff since Trossard arrived again in January 2023.

Whenever you lengthen the contracts of gamers like Saliba, Gabriel, and others, the hole that already exists grows wider. To not point out the truth that in an effort to tie down Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri to new offers this summer season, Arsenal have considerably raised the wage ground. So, if in case you have a state of affairs the place two 18 yr olds – as proficient as they’re – are in the identical wage ballpark as senior gamers, or even perhaps forward of them as a result of they signed new offers – you’re going to face a problem.

It appears fairly easy to me that the best way to maintain these gamers comfortable, or to make sure that they don’t turn into sad at what you may simply argue is an imbalance within the wage packets, is to provide them more cash. Has Raya earned it? Completely. I believe Trossard earned his too. Even when he was a participant some individuals might need been comfortable to maneuver on this season, primarily based on his output he shouldn’t be left behind in wage phrases as a result of we’ve needed to push the boat out a bit on some proficient kids, and in an effort to hold our greatest gamers we’ve given them greater salaries too.

It’s fairly tough to use a situation which contrasts soccer with ‘common’ workplaces, however think about you’re in a job, you’re comparatively senior, and the corporate hires a teenager who hasn’t contributed what you have got however they’re on the identical cash, or extra, than you. I think you’d be fairly sad about that. So, by giving Raya and Trossard pay rises with out extending their contracts implies that Arsenal will beat back any dressing room disharmony. It is sensible to me.

Elsewhere, there was a giant story in The Telegraph a couple of potential stadium growth. I believe a variety of it’s fairly speculative, however what is obvious from all of the reporting we’ve heard of late, it’s one thing Arsenal are positively exploring. I believe we’re in all probability nonetheless a great distance from something taking place, due to how difficult it will all be – coping with the native council, planning permission, building, it doesn’t really feel imminent. Nonetheless, as famous when the brand new look board was introduced just lately, there’s some actual property improvement expertise on there, and that in all probability tells you what you could find out about this being a part of our future.

The massive situation about all of it’s the impression it has on the place we play. Wembley as a brief venue appears the apparent possibility, however there’s additionally a trade-off. It’d the place we play house video games, nevertheless it received’t be ‘house’ – and that’s one thing to think about. The long-term advantages of a stadium growth are apparent, however there’s a little bit of a value to pay whilst you’re going via that. Not only for the staff on the pitch, however for followers who must endure that Wembley ‘expertise’ numerous instances a season, not only for a cup closing, and likewise for native companies and many others who rely closely on the match-day footfall.

I assume there’s no method round it should you actually need to broaden – and enhance – our stadium, however there’s much more to it than including just a few seats. Little question we’ll hear extra about this within the weeks and months forward, however for now there are extra vital issues to fret about. Which we will return to after the Interlull.

Okay, that’s your lot for right now. Have an amazing Wednesday, again tomorrow with extra.