Next season The Premier League will be provided match balls by Puma, a decision that is likely to be an unpopular one with Mikel Arteta.
Puma will be partnered with the English top flight for the next six seasons.
Nike’s 25-year association with the league is coming to an end this campaign marked by the re-release of the classic T90 Aerow I, which was previously used between 2004 and 2006.
From 2021/22 Puma manufactured balls for all English Football League competitions including the Carabao Cup, Championship, League One, League Two and EFL Trophy.
Arsenal boss Arteta has already aired his views about the Puma balls earlier this season, bizarrely laying the blame for their Carabao Cup exit.
Following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in January Arteta commented on the Puma balls, saying: “I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it’s tricky that this ball flies a lot.
“It’s just different, it’s just very different to the Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.
“When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you have to adapt to that.”
In response The EFL said the ball had passed all the required Fifa tests.
It was a very wasteful shooting performance proven by only three shots being on target from a total of 23.
Kai Havertz missed an unmarked header and Gabriel Martinelli hit the post after running clear through on goal.
However, clubs were provided with Carabao Cup balls for training prior to their games in the competition.
Arteta will have to ensure his players get plenty of shooting practice ahead of the 2025/26 season but what that match demonstrated was Arsenal’s need for forwards, especially a striker.
The same game where Anthony Gordon and previous Arsenal target Alexander Isak scored to take the lead in the first leg.
In recent transfer windows the Gunners have been linked with RB Leipzig centre forward Benjamin Sesko.
Speaking on the new matchball deal Arne Freundt, Puma’s chief executive, said: “The agreement with the Premier League, the most-watched football league in the world, is an important step in Puma’s brand elevation strategy.
“We look forward to bringing our performance technology to the forefront of the game and connecting with the many fans worldwide.
“With Puma’s ball at the centre of attention during every match in this incredible league, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.”
Richard Masters, the Premier League’s chief executive, said: “Puma has a proud history of involvement in football over many years and we look forward to seeing the new ball used at all our matches from this summer onwards.”
