Arsenal join crush in hunt for sponsor

ARSENAL have joined a crowded market to find a shirt sponsor despite their current deal with Emirates still having two seasons to run.

The fact the FA Cup winners have begun their search so far in advance suggests Emirates, who have a stadium naming rights deal with Arsenal until 2028, want to continue only with the ground contract.

The airline, who are said to be disillusioned with football, are also expected not to renew their £10million-a-year FA Cup partnership that has one year to go.

It would also suit Arsenal to maximise their kit revenues by separating it from the stadium sponsorship. That currently brings in a combined £30m a year compared to Chelsea’s £40m from Yokohama Tyres.

Arsenal will be competing for sponsorships with a number of big sporting properties. They include the England football team, Tottenham’s new ground, domestic cricket Tests, rugby’s Premiership and the Six Nations.

The FA, who it seems are going to be searching soon for two major backers, will be hiring leading sports sponsorship agency Pitch International to help find those elusive partners.