Yet more big news for Major League Soccer: the Colorado Rapids have today announced a strategic partnership with English Premier League giant Arsenal. The deal is designed more to bolster the MLS club’s image and to help develop its young players. It could also open up a player exchange between the two clubs.
Said Arsenal Managing Director Keith Edelman: “This is a very important step for Arsenal as this becomes our first venture into the U.S. marketplace.” The arrangement includes the development of a Center for Excellence in Colorado that utilizes the club’s training methods, as well as a new tournament called the Arsenal Cup, which will be open to teams from all over the U.S. The overall partnership is the result of an investment in the EPL club made by Rapids’ owner Stan Kroenke.
“Unless I’m completely naive, it’s not a takeover,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the BBC. Wenger has been outspoken against foreign investment in EPL clubs. Earlier this week, two American sports tycoons assumed control of Arsenal rival Liverpool FC. Wenger stressed that Arsenal’s deal with Colorado is similar to its player and coaching exchanges with clubs in Belgium and the Ivory Coast. “We’re trying to extend our brand and we’re also trying to extend our technical cooperation because the Americans might produce some players at some stage and that’s why we’re doing it,” he said.