Arsenal sign biggest deal in 132-year history

Arsenal have announced their biggest ever sponsorship agreement.

The deal is a five-year extension of the club’s tie-up with Dubai airline Emirates, which first partnered with Arsenal in 2004.

Emirates’ branding will now feature on the shirts and training kits until the end of the 2023/24 season.

The Gunners said the agreement is the largest sponsorship deal in their 132-year history.

In a statement on the club’s website, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “Our shirt partnership is the longest running in the Premier League and one of the longest relationships in world sport.

“This mutual commitment is testimony to the strength and depth of our unique relationship. Emirates are again demonstrating their great belief in our approach and ambition and their significantly increased investment will help us continue to compete for trophies and bring more success to the club and our fans around the world.”

He continued: “Emirates is a great partner for Arsenal - a world-class brand with a truly global reach. The airline plays a significant role in our ambitions to extend our influence and following around the world. The new deal, extending our shirt partnership until 2024, underlines how much both organisations value and benefit from the relationship.”

After first teaming up with Arsenal in 2004, Emirates went on to become shirt sponsor in the 2006/07 season. The company has naming rights for the club’s stadium until 2021.

Sir Tim Clark, Emirates president, told Arsenal.com: “Arsenal’s strong appeal and influence around the globe, combined with their ambitions as a club, make them an ideal partner for Emirates, with values that reflect ours as a brand.

“As a long-standing supporter of football, we are passionate about the game and are a proud partner to the team.”