Source: Daily_Mail
Emirates say relationship with Arsenal will not be hurt by Dubai crisis
Arsene Wenger's season may have been hit by three domestic defeats in 12 days but Emirates insist their relationship with Arsenal will not be damaged by the financial problems destabilising Dubai.[LNB]Gulf stock markets went into meltdown last week when investment company Dubai World, which manages projects for the Dubai government, announced it was seeking to suspend repayments on some of its US$59million (£35.6m) debt.[LNB]Emirates is not part of Dubai World, but some business analysts suggested that the profitable Dubai airline might be merged with Abu Dhabi's airline Etihad as part of a deal between the neighbouring states of the United Arab Emirates.[LNB] Strong identity: Theo Walcott's Arsenal shirt displays the Emirates logo[LNB]This theory has been dismissed by Emirates and a spokesman for the airline said: 'Emirates is a completely separate entity to Dubai World and so the current situation facing that company will have no effect whatsoever on our Arsenal sponsorship, which is a long term commitment and partnership.'[LNB]Emirates paid £100m to acquire naming rights for Arsenal's stadium until 2021 and a shirt sponsorship deal with the club until 2014. The money for the stadium deal was paid up front to help fund its construction and about £15m is due to be paid over the next four years on the shirt deal.[LNB]In return, Emirates have succeeded in forging a strong identity in Western Europe and establishing Dubai as one of the major hubs for long-haul travel.[LNB]Arsenal too insist they are happy with the partnership with their main sponsor but if the financial crisis worsens in the Gulf and the future of Emirates is threatened, it could actually work in their favour.[LNB]At current market rates, a club of their stature could command considerably more than the £15m they will receive over the next four years of the shirt deal.[LNB]Manchester United struck an £80m four-year deal with Aon in the summer which starts next season. Chelsea's deal with Samsung is thought to be worth £13m a year until 2013.[LNB] Andrey Arshavin moans tiny Arsenal cannot compete with Chelsea and Premier League's big boysAdmirer Ancelotti ready to rival Arsenal for £18m Inter wonderkid BalotelliRicardo Fuller reveals Stoke's game plan: You beat Arsenal by being physical. Chelsea do it... and it's the way we like to playARSENAL FC
