Arsenal ‘have moved quicky’ to agree deal with ‘£17bn’ company
Arsenal should be praised for how quickly they have managed to agree a new sponsor amid the end of Visit Rwanda’s seven-year partnership.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Arsenal terminated their deal with Visit Rwanda.
Arsenal supporters have protested against Visit Rwanda’s sponsorship, with their branding appearing on the clubs shirt sleeves.
HR platform Deel have agreed to sponsor Arsenal from the 2026-27 season, marking their first venture into the world of sport.
Arsenal confirm ‘great deal’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – thinks Arsenal still benefited from their partnership with Visit Rwanda despite fan unrest.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes the commercial team should be praised for swiftly agreeing a new deal.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, I had a look at Deel, not a name that I knew very readily, but they’re actually valued about a stock market valuation of about 17 billion. So they’re a reasonably sized company, and they can afford sort of decent sponsorships.
“Look, Arsenal have moved quickly. They’ve managed to replace Visit Rwanda. I know that was starting to cause some unrest amongst the fan base. Although overall, I think they should respect it as being a very good long-term sponsor that Arsenal have had a great benefit from.
“And it’s helped Arsenal in its international expansion into Africa as well. Look, both parties have done well out of the deal. Deel looks to be a very good, credible company coming in. Look, I think it’s a great deal for everybody. I think it’ll be almost like for like in terms of the valuation. So Arsenal have done well to move quickly and get a replacement done. So well done for the commercial team there.”
Arsenal’s January transfer plans
Arsenal may look to strike further deals in the January transfer window, with Mikel Arteta’s side chasing the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Gabriel Martinelli could depart Arsenal, with the Gunners one of many sides interested in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his contract, with Liverpool also a leading contender amid the expected departure of Mohamed Salah.