David Raya has earned a pay rise

Morning.

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

Let’s begin in the present day although with a narrative from the BBC about David Raya receiving a brand new deal from Arsenal. Not like 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 feel it is sensible if 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, during the last couple of years, accomplished effectively sufficient to be across the European locations in 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 change into the unquestioned #1 goalkeeper and one of the crucial constant performers within the league, whereas solely Bukayo Saka has extra aim contributions for the staff since Trossard arrived again in January 2023.

Once you prolong the contracts of gamers like Saliba, Gabriel, and others, the hole that already exists grows wider. To not point out the truth that with a view to tie down Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri to new offers this summer season, Arsenal have considerably raised the wage flooring. So, when you’ve got a scenario the place two 18 yr olds – as gifted as they’re – are in the identical wage ballpark as senior gamers, or maybe even 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 pleased, or to make sure that they don’t change into sad at what you can simply argue is an imbalance within the wage packets, is to offer them extra money. Has Raya earned it? Completely. I feel Trossard earned his too. Even when he was a participant some individuals might need been pleased to maneuver on this season, based mostly 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 gifted kids, and with a view to hold our greatest gamers we’ve given them increased salaries too.

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

Elsewhere, there was an enormous story in The Telegraph a few potential stadium growth. I feel numerous it’s fairly speculative, however what is evident from all of the reporting we’ve heard of late, it’s one thing Arsenal are undoubtedly exploring. I feel we’re in all probability nonetheless a good distance from something occurring, due to how sophisticated it could 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 not too long ago, there’s some actual property growth expertise on there, and that in all probability tells you what you want to learn about this being a part of our future.

The large challenge about all of it’s the affect it has on the place we play. Wembley as a brief venue appears the apparent possibility, however there’s additionally a trade-off. It is perhaps the place we play house video games, nevertheless it gained’t be ‘house’ – and that’s one thing to contemplate. The long-term advantages of a stadium growth are apparent, however there’s a little bit of a value to pay when you’re going by 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 remaining, and in addition for native companies and many others who rely closely on the match-day footfall.

I suppose there’s no manner round it if you happen to actually wish to develop – and enhance – our stadium, however there’s much more to it than including a number of seats. Little doubt 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 in the present day. Have a fantastic Wednesday, again tomorrow with extra.