Chapter 376: Cannes
In the 07-08 season, Arsenal outperformed Manchester United to win the league title, bringing joy back to Arsenal fans!
Subsequently, Arsenal announced a new contract with Emirates Airline: The naming fee for Emirates Stadium was changed from 45 million pounds for 15 years to 100 million pounds. The front jersey sponsorship was changed from 55 million pounds for 8 years to 90 million pounds for 6 years!
The Times: Arsenal's front jersey sponsorship fee is now the highest in the Premier League;
The Daily Chronicle: The era of the Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea triumvirate has arrived;
Manchester City: The Middle Eastern tycoons will show you what money football really is!
Liverpool: Shouldn't it be a four-nation competition?
The Sports Report: Although Arsenal won the Premier League, they are still not satisfied. The new owner now aims to win the Champions League!
The Guardian: This summer's transfer market will see the Premier League continue to dominate Europe!
The day after Arsenal's victory, while fans and the club were still celebrating, Charles received a call from Dona Williams in Hong Kong.
"An earthquake over 8.0 magnitude?" Charles checked his watch. It was 2 PM Beijing time, meaning it happened around 7 AM in London today.
Charles paused for a moment, sighed, and said, "Inform Xu Xiaoling to donate 5 million dollars in the name of Capet Charity Foundation!"
After hanging up, Charles rubbed his cheeks vigorously. He had also attended the Championship celebration at the club last night.
Emily Blunt had gone to the set of Sherlock Holmes early in the morning!
In a villa on Bishop Avenue, Hampstead, London, Charles sat on the sofa as Arsenal's CEO, David Dein, reported some work arrangements.
"Nike thinks our asking price is too high!"
Charles felt a bit annoyed, "Even after winning the Premier League, it's not enough?"
David Dein nodded, "However, Adidas is very optimistic about us and wants to use us to compete against Manchester United! They've offered a 7-year sponsorship worth 100 million pounds, but if we don't make it to the Champions League, it will be reduced by 40 million pounds!"
Charles nodded, "Go ahead and negotiate. Buy out the 2-year contract with Nike and sign with Adidas.
Then, focus on the summer transfers. The team has accumulated too many players. Clear out some. There's no way we can have that many free transfers with quality players.
Liverpool's Xabi Alonso has conflicts with his coach, right? Wenger also likes him. And there was Yaya Toure we missed earlier. Barcelona might let him go now, and the defender Kompany who went to Hamburg. Get it all sorted out!"
David Dein nodded. These were the ones Wenger had his eye on before, but the prices weren't agreed upon. Xabi Alonso had issues with Liverpool's coach Benitez, and Benitez was eyeing Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.
"Next month is the European Championships. After the games end, it will be time for the clubs to make moves," David Dein no longer had to be frugal.
Many players wouldn't discuss transfers now but would negotiate after the European Championships to leverage their good performances.
In the next two days, Arsenal announced the early termination of their two-year contract with Nike, paying 4.5 million pounds in compensation. Simultaneously, Arsenal signed a 7-year 100 million pound sponsorship contract with Adidas, starting from the 08-09 season!
After winning the championship, under the operation of the cse system, Arsenal's commercial value skyrocketed. The stadium naming rights, front jersey ads, and jersey brand sponsorship alone brought in an annual revenue of 38 million pounds, an increase of 28 million pounds from just these three items alone!
Adding other brand deals, Arsenal was set to receive over 50 million pounds from sponsors next season!
...
On May 17th, the day after participating in Arsenal's championship parade, Charles went to the Cannes International Film Festival in France!
"Phyllis, I need to have a meeting with Gilles Jacob tonight," In the Eden Roc Hotel, Charles instructed Phyllis Jones beside him.
Phyllis nodded and quickly went to make arrangements.
A moment later, Lin Chi-ling came out of the bedroom and hugged Charles. Lin Chi-ling was originally supposed to arrive with the Red Cliff crew on the 20th for promotions, but upon hearing that Charles had come to Cannes, she came early.
"You had a long flight, take a good rest at the hotel. I have some things to handle."
Charles hugged and kissed her before leaving for the premiere of Vicky Cristina Barcelona at the Palais des Festivals. Director Woody Allen and the main cast Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem, and Penelope Cruz were in attendance.
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