Gazidis: Gunners can reach for stars with Emirates deal

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis believes Arsenal can afford to compete in the transfer market and “pay the biggest wages” after the Premier League club announced a £150 million extension of their sponsorship deal with Emirates.

The airline will continue their shirt partnership until the end of the 2018/19 season, while also holding naming rights on the Gunners’ 60,000-seater stadium at Ashburton Grove until 2028.

The £30m-a-year contract represents a significant increase in additional revenue for Arsenal, who have not won a trophy since 2005 and have seen several leading players sold.