Arsenal milk the European cash cow

ARSENAL’S run to the Champions League final has seen them eclipse Chelsea’s earnings for television income and prize money in the 2005-06 season.

The Gunners have made £52.7m so far, while champions Chelsea took £47.5m. Liverpool made £43.2m from television and prize money while their great rivals, Manchester United, got £39.9m.

Almost half of Arsenal’s income has come from the Champions League — victory over Barcelona in the final would bring in a further £2m.

Spurs, the highest-placed club not involved in the Champions League, earned £26.2m, less than half the sum their North London rivals pulled in.

Liverpool’s run to the FA Cup, and qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase, enabled them to earn more than Manchester United, while Middlesbrough’s success in cup competitions brought in an extra £5m.

Earnings of Premier League clubs in 2005/06 (prize money and TV cash but not gate receipts or merchandise income):

Arsenal £52.7m*; Chelsea £47.5m; Liverpool £43.2m**; Man Utd £39.8m; Tottenham £26.2m; West Ham £24.4m**; Middlesbrough £24.3m; Newcastle £24.0m; Bolton £23.7m; Blackburn £23.6m; Wigan £22.9m; Everton £22.4m; Charlton £21.0m; Man City £20.6m; Fulham £20.3m; Aston Villa £19.6m; Birmingham £19.4m; Portsmouth £18.0m; West Brom £16.9m; Sunderland £16.1m.

* Arsenal earn an extra £2m if they win the Champions League.

** An extra £1m goes to the FA Cup final winners.