Arsenal, of English men's soccer’s top-tier Premier League, have expanded their commercial tie-up with Sobha Realty, through which the Dubai-based real estate developer has become the club’s first training ground naming rights partner.

That facility - which opened in 1999 - will now be known as the Sobha Realty Training Centre.

In addition, Sobha has been made a principal partner of the club, and the official training kit sleeve partner for both its men’s and women’s teams.

Arsenal have said the deal will see the club “benefit from Sobha Realty’s unrivaled expertise in property and real estate to explore the development opportunities at the club’s training ground.”

This is a significant expansion to the original deal struck between the two parties, which was unveiled in September last year and saw Sobha Realty take naming rights to a match-day hospitality suite at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. That suite is now called ‘The WM Club, Presented by Sobha.’

In addition, the developer’s branding has been featured at both Arsenal’s men's and women’s home games since September.

Juliet Slot, chief commercial officer at Arsenal, has said: “This is a groundbreaking agreement for both of us, with Sobha becoming our first ever training ground naming rights partner, supporting their global growth ambitions as they seek to establish a stronger presence worldwide.
 
“Our new partnership shows the strength of our commercial proposition and our ability to grow sustainably by developing commercial opportunities that can be invested back into our club. There has never been a better time to join us on our journey.”
 
Ravi Menon, Sobha Realty’s co-chair, added: “Together, we seek to leave a lasting legacy and make a significant impact that goes beyond sponsorship. This collaboration represents our commitment to quality, expansion, and innovation, not just in the US and the UK, but on an international scale.”

Last week, Arsenal announced a multi-year sponsorship deal with vehicle brand MG Motor UK (MG).

The club’s main sponsors include German sportswear giant adidas and Emirates.

Earlier in January, meanwhile, it was unveiled that Richard Garlick will step up to the position of managing director ahead of 2024-25.

Garlick, 47, who has been the London club’s director of football operations since May 2021, will move into his new role when current Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham leaves at the end of the ongoing 2023-24 season.

Arsenal currently sit in third place in the 20-team Premier League table.