Arteta responds to Arsenal job cuts and confirms new squad photo after Saliba absence

Arsenal are set to cut around 60 jobs within six months of lifting their first Premier League title in more than two decades. The move was communicated to staff this week, and manager Mikel Arteta faced questions about it ahead of Sunday's match against Nottingham Forest. The Spaniard said the club had explained the decision as part of a process to evolve and keep investing in the success they want to build.

• Arsenal will cut about 60 roles, roughly seven per cent of their 871 permanent staff.
• Playing and coaching staff in the men's and women's teams will not be affected.
• Chief executive Richard Garlick informed employees about the restructuring this week.
• The club posted record turnover of £691m for the 2024-25 season.

What Arteta said about the Arsenal redundancies

The Arsenal boss made it clear he did not want to be drawn into the debate. Speaking to reporters, he insisted the matter was not his responsibility and pointed to the club's leadership for the reasoning behind the cuts.

It was explained to me about the exercise, and the analysis that has been done across the club, and with the intention always to evolve to improve. Some decisions have to be taken to put people in the right roles, and keep investing, to achieve the success that we want to create.

Arteta declined to take further questions on the subject and moved on quickly. His comments came just a week after he signed a new four-year contract reportedly worth up to £20m a season following the club's first league title since 2004.

Why Arsenal are reducing staff after a record-breaking season

The redundancies arrive at a time of strong financial results. Arsenal generated a record £691m in turnover during the 2024-25 campaign, helped by their Premier League triumph and a return to the top tier of European competition. Even so, the club believes a leaner structure in certain areas will allow more resources to be focused on football priorities.

The cuts will be spread across several departments, though the men's and women's first-team playing and coaching staff are protected from the changes. Richard Garlick has told the workforce that the restructuring is designed to make the club more efficient and better placed to compete for major honours on a consistent basis.

Arsenal to retake squad photo after William Saliba was left out

Arteta also confirmed that the club will stage another official squad photograph. William Saliba was missing from the picture released on Thursday, which drew attention given his importance to last season's title-winning campaign. The French centre-back is currently out with a back problem, and Arsenal said he was unavailable because of a medical appointment.

The manager admitted the club had already tried to arrange the photo three times and had to cancel at the last minute for various reasons. He explained that commercial commitments meant they decided to go ahead with the picture, but promised a new one featuring the entire group.

We'll have another picture with the whole family. Hopefully we can get them all together at some point. He knows how loved he is. He's completely fine about it.

Saliba return timeline and Zubimendi boost for Forest clash

Saliba has not featured since the World Cup and his comeback remains uncertain, though there is an outside chance he could be available before the international break next month. Arsenal are monitoring the defender's progress carefully and do not want to rush him back.

There is more positive news on Martin Zubimendi. The midfielder picked up an ankle knock in training straight after the win over Leeds at the Emirates Stadium, but he is in contention to face Nottingham Forest. Piero Hincapie, who also suffered an ankle problem in that post-match session, will not be involved.

What is at stake for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest

The champions begin their title defence under pressure to stay near the top from the opening weeks. Sunday's meeting with Nottingham Forest offers a chance to build momentum and show focus despite a week dominated by off-field headlines.

Zubimendi's availability gives Arteta a key option in midfield as the team looks to follow up their home victory over Leeds. The fixture also comes before a demanding run of European and domestic matches that will test the squad's depth.