BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal to sign kit deal with Adidas

Reports in British newspaper The Daily Telegraph state that English Premier League outfit Arsenal are set to agree a deal with German sports giant Adidas when their current deal with Nike expires in 2013-14.

The American kit manufacturers bring in Arsenal £13 million a year, but the deal their German rivals will see the North London giants rake in twice the amount with a sum of nearly £25 million an annum being quoted.

The Gunners have sported Nike kits since 1994, but with the deal expiring next year, Adidas, who also provide kits to Chelsea, are circling to swoop. This deal would see Arsenal reopen business with the German kit manufacturers, who provided them with their traditional scarlet and white livery before Nike were awarded a long-term contract.

The move is part of Adidas’ greater vision to ‘own London’, which is why they have also offered Fulham a kit deal. The Cottagers are currently outfitted by Kappa.

Manchester United and Barcelona aside, Arsenal represent Nike’s largest source of income in terms of kit sales, with more than 800,000 shirts sold every year.

Arsenal’s shirt sponsorship deal with United Arab Emirates Airline Fly Emirates also expires in 2014.