by Mark Bassey

Chelsea have reached an agreement with tyre makers Yokohama Rubber, to sponsor their kits for the next five seasons.

The mega deal will see the Blues bank about £40m per year. But where do they stand on the list on top 5 kit sponsorship deals?
1. Manchester United – £53m per year

The Old Trafford outfit have the world’s largest shirt sponsorship deal. It is worth a whooping £53m per year and does not end until 2021. Curiously, General Motors have sacked the CEO, who put together the deal together.

2. Chelsea – £40m per year

Chelsea have jumped up to second, following their massive deal with the Japanese company. It is more than double their previous £18m-per-year contract with Samsung, which runs out at the end of this season.

3. Arsenal – £30m per year

The Gunners currently pocket £30m per year from Emirates Airlines. The deal will run out after the 2018/2019 season. Emirates have a partnership with Arsenal that started in 2004 and have naming rights to their stadium until 2021.

4. Real Madrid – £25m per year

It is a bit surprising that Real Madrid – arguably the biggest club in the world – did not squeeze out more from Emirates in 2013. They will have a chance to change that in 2018, when the current five-year agreement elapses.

5. Bayern Munich – £25m per year

Bayern Munich are also picking up the same sum from telecommunications giant Deutsche Telekom. The current deal will run out at the end of next season.