Stefan Borson shares verdict as Liverpool attempt to 'hijack' Arsenal deal

Emirates becoming Liverpool's front-of-shirt sponsor instead of renewing terms with Arsenal would have made very little sense.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that he remains "sceptical" over the emerging news.

The Reds are set to be without a front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2027-28 campaign, with Standard Chartered choosing not to renew their deal during a period of exclusivity.

While there is still a chance that Liverpool keep their current sponsor, recent news has come to light that the 20-time Premier League winners attempted to poach Emirates from the Gunners.

Arsenal's deal with Emirates was set to expire in 2028, with the company sponsoring the stadium, front-of-shirt and training kit.

In a rather audacious attempt, it has been reported that the Reds tried to hijack the Gunners' renewal with Emirates, only for their deal to be extended until 2033.

Liverpool's deal with Emirates had 'no possibility'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson is struggling to believe the story, especially given how famous 'Emirates' has become as a brand in North London.

"I'm very, very sceptical about that story. A 'hijack' suggests that they would have replaced Arsenal," he said.

"It could not have been a very long conversation. There's almost no possibility in my mind that Emirates would have switched from Arsenal where they've had a relationship for probably 30 years.

"They've got their name on the stadium. And that would be in itself a huge change. Where Arsenal just won the title, and are now a club that's at least on a level with Liverpool right now.

"At this particular point in time, the idea that Emirates would risk all of that goodwill that they built up with Arsenal to switch to Liverpool...

"Sorry, that just does not pass the sniff test as a story."

Is Liverpool's front-of-shirt situation a concern?

While the current climate for front-of-shirt sponsors has been extremely harsh in the Premier League, the Reds are not in any immediate risk.

Borson has already played down the idea of Amazon appearing on Liverpool's shirt next season, the addition of Amit Bhatia and Jeff Bezos should bring a lot of positivity.

Bezos' contacts alone should help the Reds to find a new front-of-shirt sponsor. And of course, Standard Chartered could always return to the table.

The alarm bells are not yet ringing, nor should they be. Fans have a lot of reasons to be positive, and not getting Emirates on board shouldn't impact that.