The company said turnover increased to £313 million thanks largely to television revenue and ticket sales reflecting the team reaching both the semi-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup during the 2008-09 season. Matchday revenue contributed £100 million and the sale of 208 private apartments at Highbury Square £88 million.
“The group's profits have now risen in each of the three years in which Emirates Stadium has been our home,” said Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood. “This is excellent news, although I should perhaps stress that making and reporting profits is not in itself the primary objective for the directors.”
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: “Football is a hugely competitive and fast moving business and we must ensure that Arsenal is not just keeping pace but setting the pace, both on and off the field. The club is superbly positioned for the future and I am tremendously excited about the opportunities we have ahead of us.”
The encouraging financial results come despite Arsenal having spent four seasons without winning a major title.
