Arsenal have raised their level of spending in recent years, which has correlated with a rise in commercial income. Over the last decade, the Gunners’ revenue from sponsorship, merchandise, events and other commercial streams has risen by more than 100 per cent. This has been the trend among so-called Big Six, whose commercial strategies are maturing across the board – some quicker than others. While in isolation Arsenal’s commercial income of £173m at the last count is impressive, it is the smallest in the Big Six by quite a margin. This is partly attributable to a lack of European football i…