Arsenal were ‘not part’ of European Super League plans at beginning of proposals

Arsenal have been named as one of the 12 founding members of the new European Super League, alongside Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus.

In a joint statement, they announced: "Twelve of Europe’s leading football clubs have today come together to announce they have agreed to establish a new mid-week competition, the Super League, governed by its Founding Clubs.

"AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Atletico de Madrid, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid CF and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined as Founding Clubs.

"It is anticipated that a further three clubs will join ahead of the inaugural season, which is intended to commence as soon as practicable.

"Going forward, the Founding Clubs look forward to holding discussions with UEFA and FIFA to work together in partnership to deliver the best outcomes for the new League and for football as a whole."

However, according to Sky Sports, Arsenal were not part of the initial talks about a breakaway league.

Back in 2018, German outlet Der Spiegel revealed that talks were ongoing among top clubs about the formation of a European Super League.

However, Sky claimed at the time that Arsenal were not part of the plans, with senior sources at the club saying they were 'unaware' of the proposals.

Legendary Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who currently works as FIFA's head of global development, believes the idea "will not go far".

Speaking to talkSPORT, Wenger said: "I would say that's a bad idea. Football has to stay united, it’s the most important thing. It's based on sporting merit and overall to respect the history that has been built from European football.

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    • "I believe, personally, that this idea will not go far. I don't know what exactly is behind [it]. There is a more dangerous idea behind it and it's a big threat for the Premier League.

    "When I was still in charge it was a lot going on from other countries to diminish the dominance of the Premier League and a project like that would certainly accelerate that."

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