New Arsenal sponsorship deals mean Gunners are earning over £50m per season more than previously, and transfer spending spree is on the cards.
Arsenal are set to sign a five year £170 million deal with Puma to make their kits from summer 2014, which is the highest ever of its kind in English football.
The north London giants have been widely expected to either extend their current arrangement with Nike, or sign with previous kit sponsors Adidas, but according to the Daily Mirror, the £34m per season offer from Puma blew the rest out of the water despite late interest from Liverpool kit suppliers Warrior.
Suddenly Arsenal’s coffers make for rather more positive viewing.
Having advanced their stadium and shirt sponsorship with Emirates from £5.5m per season to £30m annually, and kit sponsorship from £8m with Nike to £34m per year with Puma, suddenly the Gunners are over £50m richer at the end of each campaign than previously.
It all points to big transfer spending at the end of the season, with Arsene Wenger previously having been hamstrung by stadium debt and meagre commercial deals.
That is no longer the case, and Fiorentina striker Stefan Jovetic is the first name on Wenger’s summer shortlist.
Although UEFA Champions League football is still vital for the Gunners’ progression, there is little chance of the club attempting to make ends meet this summer, with player acquisitions funded by player sales.
Perhaps there is real reason to be optimistic at Emirates Stadium.
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