‘I’ve checked with my contacts’ over whether Arsenal ‘hijacked’ Chelsea deal
Chelsea’s wait for a new shirt sponsor continues after Arsenal agreed a long-term partnership with HR platform Deel.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who has quashed rumours that Arsenal had “hijacked” the deal.
Arsenal have agreed a partnership with Deel to replace Visit Rwanda as their shirt sleeve sponsor from the beginning of the 2026-27 season.
Chelsea remain without a front of shirt sponsor this season, with the club setting a £60million asking price to agree a deal.
Deel ‘were comparing’ Arsenal and Chelsea deals
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 – believes Arsenal won a “straight commercial shootout” against Chelsea.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states that Deel could have been a front of shirt sponsor for the Blues.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Yeah, look, I did check with one of my contacts and no, the rumour was that this was going to be front of shirt for Chelsea, and no way was the budget there for them to do that.
“I think they were comparing potential sleeve sponsorship deals at Chelsea and Arsenal and whatever the presentations were, Arsenal won the day. I don’t think there was anything hijacked. I think it was just a straight commercial shootout. But, you know, some sponsors do want to go and shop the market.
“I know when I’ve been in that position, I’ve often had clubs looking at three or four other potential candidates and that’s where you’ve got to be creative and do the best deal. And it seems the Arsenal team have offered some extras that have won the day.”
Chelsea could face points deduction
Chelsea also have other off-pitch problems emerging as a disciplinary hearing into 74 alleged charges relating to payments to agents between 2009 and 2022 is due to end.
A point’s deduction could hit Chelsea if a heavy punishment is issued by the independent regulatory commission.
Chelsea could appeal the verdict if a points deduction is applied, which could damage their chances of Champions League qualification.