Arsenal staff are reportedly concerned about potential job cuts, even as the club celebrates its first Premier League title in 22 years. U.S. consultants Boston Consulting Group (BCG) have been conducting a review at the club for the past three months, according to reports. Jean-Paul Petranca, a managing director at BCG, is believed to be leading the review.
Sources suggest that while Arsenal insiders insist BCG's role is to help the club grow its business, capitalize on recent success, and ensure sustained high performance, many staff members fear job losses are inevitable. There is a perception among some employees that the football operations side of the business will not be affected by any potential restructuring.
Petranca, who has reportedly been reporting to Arsenal's chief executive Richard Garlick, has extensive experience advising on strategy and organizational performance, according to BCG's website. The club has declined to comment, but it is understood that identifying efficiencies is part of Petranca's mandate.
Nervousness is reportedly particularly high within the commercial department. Some staff question the logic of potential cuts in this area, especially following the departure of Juliet Slot, the former head of the commercial side, who left after nearly five years during which the department achieved record revenues. There is a view that restructuring this area could be counterproductive, given the reliance of clubs like Arsenal on generating income to comply with Premier League and UEFA spending regulations.
One unnamed staff member expressed frustration, stating that while the team's success was celebrated, the perceived immunity of the football department to changes felt wrong. The employee noted that many staff with financial obligations are feeling threatened, and there is resentment that any potential cuts might be implemented by external consultants rather than internal management.