Arsenal training ground to get new name as rights sold to Dubai-based luxury real estate developer

Arsenal have sold the naming rights to their training ground after striking a multi-million pound agreement with a Dubai–based luxury real estate developer.

The club’s London Colney base will be renamed the Sobha Realty Training Centre from Friday in a move that will see the logo also appearing on the sleeve of the Gunners’ training kit.

The move comes as part of Arsenal’s attempts to improve their finances with Financial Fair Play regulations restricting boss Mikel Arteta from adding new faces to his squad in January.

Speaking on the new deal, sporting director Edu says the move will see the club’s men’s and women’s team train and develop in the best possible surroundings.

“This is a very exciting agreement that will help us develop the best possible environment for our men’s and women’s players, coaches and support staff for years to come,” said the Brazilian.

“Our training centre is a big part of our people’s lives. It’s not just about working hard on the pitches, but also working in our office spaces, learning, relaxing and spending time with teammates, colleagues and their families.

“We are building a winning team and a winning culture, attention to detail is very important and it’s crucial our people have the right conditions to prepare well and perform at their best.”

The deal will enable Arsenal to call upon Sobha Realty to assist in redeveloping the training ground.

Meanwhile on the pitch, the Gunners continue their quest to close the gap on leaders Liverpool when they host Jurgen Klopp’s side on Sunday.

Arsenal sit five-points adrift of Liverpool and defeat would provide a huge blow to their title ambitions.

Mikel Arteta’s men were dumped out of the FA Cup by the Reds last month and drew 1-1 at Anfield in the reverse fixture in December.

The draw on Merseyside sparked a four-game winless run for the north London side who can ill-afford a repeat ahead of a crucial period with key Premier League and Champions League fixtures on the horizon.