He was recently let go after 27 years with the Gunners
Former Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus has been offered a potential route out of unemployment – thanks to a club in America.
Arsenal’s cost-cutting measures have continued, with the man who plays the role of mascot Gunnersaurus on a part-time basis the latest staff member to be made redundant by the club.
The Gunners recently announced 55 redundancies as part of a move to streamline the business, and now it looks like one of the club’s most popular faces is also on the way out.
(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)According to The Athletic, Jerry Quy – who has assumed the role of Arsenal’s dinosaur mascot since its conception in 1993 – has been informed that his services are no longer required by the club.
Arsenal supporters are said to be up in arms over the decision to let Gunnersaurus go, particularly as they look set to splash the cash on one of their long-term midfield targets. Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey is reportedly undergoing a medical with Mikel Arteta’s side.
However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel for the Arsenal mascot.
Transfer deadline day is typically the preserve of a club’s playing staff, not so much the mascots. But that could be set to change.
American team Forward Madison FC have reportedly submitted a bid to sign the Arsenal mascot after his contract was terminated by Arsenal.
Forward Madison’s official Twitter account say: “BREAKING: Forward Madison has submitted a bid to bring in Gunnersaurus on loan. We can pay in cheese curds.”
BREAKING: Forward Madison has submitted a bid to bring in Gunnersaurus on loan. 🔁
We can pay in cheese curds. #SaveGunnersaurus pic.twitter.com/W0M7ye2fIe
— Forward Madison FC (@ForwardMSNFC) October 5, 2020
There’s just one problem. Forward Madison already have a mascot.
In May 2019, they announced a new dairy cow mascot named ‘Lionela Bessi’. If Forward Madison do make the ex-Arsenal man their top transfer target, that could spell trouble.
Forward Madison play in USL League One, the third tier of American football (soccer) behind the USL Championship and Major League Soccer (MLS).
The club was formed in 2018, and earlier this year announced an affiliate link with MLS side Chicago Fire.
