Arsenal launch Chinese language site

English Arsenal is attempting to tap into perhaps the world's biggest market by launching a Chinese language website.

With the club taking in turnover totals of GBP 200.8 million, managing director Keith Edelman can envision a time when Chinese fans contribute to – or increase – that total.

"We're a club that looks to the future," Edelman said. "We see China as a very, very important market. We want to be part of China and let them see the things we do and the wonderful football in England.

"This all part of developing our brand and our fan base and clearly in the long-run we're here to make revenues, to improve football and to develop clubs in other parts of the world."

Edelman also hoped the website would attract expatriates, as well as those on mainland China.

"We known there are 50 million people that support Arsenal and we believe about four million will sit in China," Edelman said. "So with these new ventures we should be more than doubling that over the next 12 to 24 months."

A tour of the area is not planned, as has been the case with other English clubs trying to gain a foothold in China. But Edelman pointed out that there are young players being developed by the club in Thailand and Vietnam, and that works as a stepping stone to bigger ventures.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.