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Arsenal players are going to firmly reject proposals which leave them facing a 12.5 per cent pay cut.

It comes after the club put forward plans to reduce their wages for a YEAR if they do not qualify for next season’s Champions League.

They sent the five point plan to Hector Bellerin, Arsenal 's Professional Footballers’ Association representative, to circulate among the whole first team squad.

Arsenal’s players would have to take a 7.5 per cent reduction in salary if they only reach the Europa League with the club fearing a huge financial blackhole because of the coronavirus crisis.

But if they finish outside of the European places completely - Arsenal are currently ninth and eight points off top four - then they will not get any of their money back.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Arsenal have asked the players to take the potential cut from this month until March 2021 after the proposal was sent out this weekend.

The PFA has told players to reject pay cuts and insists that Premier League clubs should observe the 30 per cent deferral proposals agreed by the 20 clubs.

Mirror Sport understands Arsenal’s players have decided among themselves to reject the proposals, especially as they will already lose a significant amount if they fail to reach the Champions League.

They are willing to discuss deferrals to help the club but the hierarchy have decided to push ahead with wage cuts even before they know whether they will lose TV cash because of the lockdown.

ARSENAL'S PROPOSAL A 12.5 per cent pay cut for 12 months from April 2020 to March 2021 (players paid in final week of each month so to start this month) The full amount is then refunded if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League If Arsenal do not qualify for the Champions League, no money is returned back If Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League, but qualify for the Europa League the cut becomes 7.5 per cent If the season does not finish and/or Arsenal does not get full money from broadcasters then they will ask the players to find a "further solution"

Arsenal contracts are heavily loaded on bonuses but the club fear missing out on the Champions League for a fourth season running would have a massive long term impact.

Arsenal insist that negotiations are still ongoing, they hope to reach a resolution but other Premier League players have also rejected potential pay cuts.

Players from 20 clubs - either the captains or the PFA reps - have taken part in a Whats App group chat which has already helped set up the PlayersTogether fund for NHS charities.

But they have also insisted among themselves that they will stand firm to resist cuts and so far Southampton and West Ham have agreed to deferrals while Leicester are close to agreement but have insisted they want to prioritise helping the NHS.