Africa’s richest man has expressed a desire to buy Arsenal, report football.london.
Arsenal major owner Stan Kroenke has reiterated his commitments to the club by dismissing a 1 million pound bid by Uzbek’s businessman – Alisher Usmanov.
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) UK, which is the holding company for the American’s interest in Arsenal, issued a statement to London Stock Exchange this morning.
It reads: ‘KSE UK, Inc notes the recent media speculation concerning its shareholding in Arsenal Holdings PLC and confirms that its shares are not, and never have been, for sale.
‘KSE is a committed, long term investor in Arsenal and will remain so.’
When the American, 69, originally took a controlling stake in the club in 2011 it was valued at £731m, and Usmanov’s offer valued it at £1.54bn but despite the increase, Kroenke wants to stay.
Sources close to Kroenke have said that the money he would have made isn’t an issue as he wants to see the club grow and wants to oversee future success but Arsenal fans wants his exit.
Arsenal fans wants Stan Kroenke to leave the Club.
PHOTO : NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
Reports have also suggested that 63-year-old Usmanov – who is worth an eye-watering £11.2bn from mining and investments – is prepared to increase his offer and value the club at £2bn.
Usmanov has made an offer of over £1billion to become majority shareholder at Arsenal
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke is committed to the club in the long term according to his representatives, who have been forced to speak following news the American was approached by fellow shareholder, Alisher Usmanov to sell his 67% stakes.
