Arsenal fans want £17m profits spent

Arsenal last night faced calls from fans to spend more money on the team after half-yearly figures revealed a profit of £17.8m (€20.5m) generated by player sales — and cash reserves of £123m (€142m).

The profit, achieved effectively by the sale of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, covers the six months up to the end of November 2012.

The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST) said the figures highlighted the need for the club to spend more money on team strengthening. They believe the Gunners have not replaced players such as van Persie and before him Cesc Fabregas with those of similar quality.