West Ham won lottery says Wenger

West Ham won the lottery with their cheap deal to play at the Olympic Stadium, according to Arsene Wenger.   In contrast, Wenger had to sell his best players to fund the move from Highbury to the Emirates. He said that the first six years were very difficult for him financially.

West Ham won the lottery with their cheap deal to play at the Olympic Stadium, according to Arsene Wenger.   In contrast, Wenger had to sell his best players to fund the move from Highbury to the Emirates. He said that the first six years were very difficult for him financially.

West Ham will pay a one off £15m contribution and about £2.5m a year in rent when they move to the Olympic Stadium.    Supporters of other clubs have sought to have the details of their 99-year tenancy agreement with the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) made public.

West Ham’s move, and their recent success on the pitch, will make the club more attractive to a foreign buyer, although the present owners have agreed to make a one off payment to the LLDC if they sell before 2023.

Manchester City paid about £20m to convert the City of Manchester Stadium from athletics to football. They pay rent to the local council.   In contrast, Arsenal funded the £440m cost of the Emirates with a £260m loan, with the rest coming from sponsors and other contracts.   The debt will be paid off in 2031.

Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium will cost £450m.   The projected redevelopment of Stamford Bridge will cost £500m.   The increase in capacity at Liverpool will cost £114m.