Arsenal put Premier League plan 'under serious threat' amid Man Utd and Man City agreement

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Premier League leaders Arsenal are reportedly among several top-flight clubs reviewing their position ahead of a vote to introduce a controversial new salary cap. The proposed plans are said to now be 'under serious threat' ahead of Friday's meeting with top-flight representatives.

Mikel Arteta's side was one of the driving forces behind the proposed introduction of 'anchoring', which would limit Premier League clubs to spending five times the figure paid in prize money and broadcast revenue to the side that finishes bottom of the division.

Based on the most recent figures available from the 2023-24 campaign, clubs would be able to spend £550million based on the money Sheffield United earned after finishing 20th that season, receiving £109.5million .

However, The Times claim that the departure of Tim Lewis from the Emirates Stadium, the former Arsenal executive vice-chairman, has softened the Premier League leaders' stance and plunged the plans into doubt.

The report claims eight clubs are 'habouring reservations' over changes to the rules ahead of Friday's shareholder meeting. It adds that some clubs believe financial restrictions will impact Premier League clubs' performances in Europe and run the risk of missing out on world- class talent to rival leagues.

Any change to impose anchoring would need a majority vote of 14 clubs voting in favour, with Arsenal among the 16 clubs to vote in favour of exploring anchoring last year.

However, both Manchester United and Manchester City are opposed to introducing new regulations , and the Gunners' change in stance could seriously threaten the proposals.

When contacted by The Mirror , the Premier League said: "It is the League’s objective to maintain the Premier League’s value, competitive balance and ensure clubs operate in a financially sustainable way.

"We are engaging with our clubs, and they will continue to evaluate the proposals. They will have the opportunity to vote on them later this month."

The proposals to introduce anchoring have also been criticised by several other sectors across the English game.

The PFA have also threatened legal action ahead of a key shareholders' meeting, as reported by the Daily Mail .

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A spokesperson from the PFA warned: "We've been clear with the Premier League that it is something we will oppose, but the Premier League themselves know that, even before the PFA does this, there will be clubs within their own room who will legally challenge the measure .

"The only ones who end up winning are the lawyers. We want to talk about football, we don't want to talk about legal bills. There are ways to engage on measures around financial sustainability, but this cannot be imposed unilaterally; it needs to be negotiated, and there are mechanisms (to consult) that need to be respected."

In an official statement to Mirror Sport , responding to the above claim, a Premier League spokesperson said: "We disagree with the PFA’s views regarding the proposed financial rules and the extensive consultation process we have been conducting with our clubs and other stakeholders.

"The PFA has had numerous opportunities since March 2024 to provide feedback on, and shape, the proposals and the principles that underpin them. Where the League has received feedback on the New Financial System from stakeholders, including the PFA, we have considered it carefully and, where appropriate, incorporated it into formulating the draft rules.

"It is the League’s objective to maintain the Premier League’s value, competitive balance, and ensure clubs operate in a financially sustainable way.‘We are engaging with our clubs, and they will continue to evaluate the proposals. They will have the opportunity to vote on them later this month."

Three of football's biggest agencies, CAA Stellar, CAA Base and Wasserman, have told the Premier League that they will also embark on legal action if they do choose to introduce a salary cap.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.