As the Europa League soldiers into its quarter-finals this week, one of its most celebrated clubs, Arsenal, is reportedly engaged in lengthy discussions with adidas for a new apparel deal. Their current partnership with PUMA ends next season.
According to Daily Mail, the new adidas deal could be worth upwards to $56.7 million annually. This weighty amount is much larger than their current deal with PUMA which pays the club roughly $42.5 million per year. Adidas’ willingness to invest heavily in Arsenal isn’t, however, an end all be all situation. PUMA will have an opportunity to counter any offer by a competing sportswear brand — for which there are many interested alongside adidas.
Moreover, Arsenal is also in position to push the reported adidas offer even higher. By regaining their Champions League crown in aforementioned Europa League play, the club could show themselves worthy of a greater sum.
Yet even with a lucrative adidas deal on the table that has the potential to increase, they would still trail their domestic counterparts by a vast margin. Manchester United’s adidas deal is worth north of $105 million annually, while Chelsea’s partnership with Nike registers approximately $85 million per season.
If Arsenal and adidas strike a deal next season, it would be the first time since 1994 that the Gunners are outfitted in three stripes kits.
