Matchday income for the weekend derby at the Emirates could top £6 million as the Gunners prepare to announce a £50m profit for the last financial year.

The profits - which do not include this summer's transfer business, such as Robin van Persie's £24m move to Manchester United - are expected to top £40m and will go higher once the proceeds from the Highbury property sales are factored in.

The huge figures, however, may not please some fans who were crying out for manager Arsene Wenger to spend more money in the transfer market this summer, but Arsenal's unbeaten start to the season is likely to ward off disapproval.

The figures will reveal that Arsenal are one of the biggest payers in the Premier League, as their wage bill is likely to show a rise from about £124m to £140m.

That is still around £40m less than Manchester United, but £45m more than Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham, and proves that the Gunners do pay top wages.