Etihad Airways could become the naming rights sponsor for the new Stadio della Roma as well as the new AS Roma kit sponsor, according to Corriere dello Sport.
AS Roma are still looking for a new AS Roma kit sponsor for the 2015-16 season and have been playing with blank-chested shirts since 2013-14. The new AS Roma stadium is planned to open in August 2016 ahead of the 16-17 season, although building has not yet started.
Etihad to Become New AS Roma Shirt and Stadium Sponsor
AS Roma is said to be expecting offers of about €14 million ($15.8m) for the AS Roma 15-16 shirt sponsorship and the Stadio della Roma naming rights, each. Reportedly, AS Roma could anyway settle for a lower amount for the shirt sponsorship in order to not remain sponsor-less for the 15-16 Serie A campaign.
Etihad Airways, who own a 49%-stake in Italian airline Alitalia, see the possible AS Roma sponsorship as a strategic investment to strengthen the Abu Dhabi-based airline's position in the Italian market, with Rome Fiumicino Airport already an important hub for it.
While Etihad Airways appear very interested in the naming rights for the new AS Roma stadium, they haven't decided yet wether to pursue the AS Roma shirt sponsorship as well, Corriere dello Sport reports.
Also check out the leaked AS Roma 15-16 Home Kit, featuring two tones of red in a revolutionary design.