Arsenal to terminate sponsor deal? Stefan Borson drops verdict after protests
Arsenal have faced various questions about their controversial sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda over the past few years.
The sponsorship, which is believed to be worth around £10million a season, has featured on the north London giants’ shirt sleeves since 2018.
The Athletic reported on 22 April Arsenal fan group Gunners For Peace has protested against the sponsorship deal.
The campaigners launched a video mocking the sponsorship, entitled ‘Visit Tottenham’, and handed out armbands before the game against Crystal Palace on 23 April, encouraging fans to cover the ‘Visit Rwanda’ label on the club’s shirts.
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider it’s unlikely Arsenal would be able to agree a like-for-like deal to replace the lucrative sponsorship.
Arsenal posted a record-breaking revenue in 2023-24 after their turnover surged from £466.7million to £616.6million, while commercial revenue at the Emirates increased from £169.3million to £218.3million.
Arsenal owners to turn blind eye after sponsor controversy
Borson insisted the Arsenal owners are unlikely to be bothered by their fans’ reaction to their sponsorship deals.
He told Football Insider: “It’s a big deal and it’s not clear that they could replace it on a like-for-like.
“It’s been there a long time, so I’m not sure why now. I don’t think the situation in Rwanda has changed materially.
“It’s part of the hypocrisy of football, isn’t it? Where you would have lots of comments about other ownerships like Newcastle and Manchester City and oil money. Yet Arsenal will have Visit Rwanda and Emirates on the shirt and on the stadium.
“The reality is these are businesses and it’s not easy to find people to take these commercial sponsorship deals.
“The clubs have taken a view both in betting from territories that may not even be legal as well as the Visit Rwanda and the airlines, they have taken the view that they want the money.
“I’m not sure they’re that bothered about the fan reaction. Fans want it every which way, don’t they? They want lower ticket prices, more signings, and they want to pick the sponsors on the shirt. It’s not the real world.
“The owners are just not going to listen to that collection. Something has got to give, right?
“If they want the best players, if they want to sign Rice for £105million, then they will say to the fans you’re going to have to put up with whoever we choose to make commercial arrangements with.”
Arsenal want to agree Anthony Gordon deal
Arsenal are determined to sign a new winger this summer after Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s injury problems exposed their lack of depth in the attacking areas.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider Arsenal want to sign Anthony Gordon following speculation around his future at St James’ Park.
| Appearances | 38 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 7 |
The England international’s agent has been circulating his name as a potential option in recent weeks.
However, Football Insider revealed on 18 April Newcastle are reluctant to let Gordon leave, meaning Arsenal will have to spend “big money” to secure his signature.
For more Arsenal and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.