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Starsport can reveal The Emirates club, when negotiating new deals this season and last, asked stars to agree to the reduction in wages.

While some succesfully refused, it is believed there are squad members who signed up for the clause, with the club believed to have argued it was unlikely to come into effect.

Making it into Europe's top club competition is worth a minimum £35m, but the Gunners look in a battle with Everton to secure fourth place this season.

The north London club have gained a reputation for being cautious with their money and this latest twists shows how they have been preparing for life outside of the Champions League.