THE Kroenke family HAVE put Arsenal up for sale despite insisting publicly they want to stay, according to reports.
And Daniel Ek and his consortium have held a meeting with the Arsenal Supporters Trust as the Spotify founder steps up his takeover bid.
It is also claimed that Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote could have bought the club for £1.7bn two years ago.
That price is understood to be around the valuation Ek has of the club.
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MEETING EK
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry opened up about the day he as well as fellow Invincibles Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp spoke to Spotify co-owner Daniel Ek.
Ek wants to buy the club from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) and also wishes to re-inject the old identity by involving the fans.
Henry told Sky Sports: “We listened to him.
“When we knew first and foremost that he wanted to involve the fans, we actually met the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust and told them what we wanted to do; bring them back on board.
“He already said he collected the funds so he can make sure he can make a good bid. Now obviously they need to listen and see what they can do.
“Something that is very important about it, saying they want the owner out, we are trying to offer a solution of having the fans as the DNA back of the club”
NOT FOR SALE?
As everyone knows, Spotify co-founder, and longtime Arsenal fan, Daniel Ek wishes to buy Arsenal Football Club for an estimated £1.8bn – the successful businessman has the support of legendary Invincibles, such as Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.
However, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) have stated the club is not for sale.
But the Mail on Sunday report that KSE were approached by an international financial consortium in 2019.
Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke didn’t reject the approach outright, like he did with Ek, but instead told the interested party they would have to pay a fee in the region of £1.7billion
DON’T HERRY
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has warned fans that a potential takeover of the club by Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek will take a “long time”.
A great chunk of the Gunners fanbase has turned on majority holder Stan Kroenke following the failed European Super League project and Ek, a longtime fan, has expressed his desire to buy the club.
Henry said: “That is going to take a long time.
“We know what we want to do but first and foremost we need to make sure we can take over, if they are listening.
“Let’s see where it is going to go, he reached out. I don’t know now how far they went”
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STATE OF THE ART
Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has warned his friend and manager of his former club Mikel Arteta to keep an eye on Villarreal star Gerard Moreno on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final clash.
The Gunners lost 2-1 away in the first leg and need at least one goal to qualify to the final, which they have to win if they want to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
But Cazorla has urged former team-mate Arteta to be careful of the “best forward in Spain”.
He told uefa.com: “He is the best forward in Spain right now. I’m not saying that just because of the goals he scores.
“You shouldn’t just look at what he does in the box and the goals he scores for Villarreal, but also what he does outside the box.
“He’s a player who makes a difference, doesn’t need a lot of chances to score goals, and he’s at a point of his career where he’s full of confidence and at his peak, which is ideal in terms of the team being able to achieve its objectives.
“He’s a chilled-out guy, he works hard and he brings a lot to the dressing room as well”
SHEAR CLASS
Alan Shearer has told BBC’S MOTD Top 10 Podcast that Tony Adams was one of the toughest defenders he ever faced.
In listing his favourite Premier League centre-backs, the former striker recalled the rough battles he faced against the Arsenal legend.
Shearer said: I would come off with cut eyes, a broken nose and cut lip after a game against him, but always shake hands.
“He was the best centre-half I’ve played against I think, in that era in terms of how aggressive you could be as a centre-half.
“He played in that back four that was unbelievable and had a great goalkeeper behind him. He was an unbelievable leader, organiser, tackler, he could play as well, he was tough. The best centre-half I’ve ever played against.”
HARG TO ARGUE
Owen Hargreaves reckons Mohamed Elneny offers something different to Arsenal’s other defensive midfielders.
The Egyptian popped up with a goal in the 2-0 win at Newcastle, leaving the former anchor man impressed.
He said: “Elneny makes up all that ground and gets into position. It’s a good finish.
“I like Elneny. I think he gives them something different. He’s more rugged. But I think this Arsenal team need that.
“And if he can pop up with goals then it’s the icing on the cake.”
WIL-LOCKED IN
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Joe Willock will return to Arsenal in the summer to fight for a place in the team.
A successful loan spell at Newcastle for the midfielder has led to the coach considering him for a pre-season runout.
He said: “[Willock] has a chance.
“He is a player we really like so at the end of the season he will come back here and then we will make the decision again for what is best to move forward.
“We knew all this but he needed game time, he needed to expose himself away from our environment and we believe as well that Newcastle, Steve and his staff is the right place for him to do that.”
Credit: AFP UN-AI ON THE ARSENAL GAME
Unai Emery had the luxury of making several changes for Villarreal’s weekend win over Getafe.
Gerard Moreno, Raul Albiol and Juan Foyth were among the stars rested ahead of Thursday’s Europa League return leg in London.
And the coach said afterwards: “You have to try to be fresher, to have a clear idea of what we should do.
“We go with an advantage, we will have moments that can change things and it’s not going to be easy.
“The team is very alive and with excitement to live it. The key is to live in that process.”
STANDING THEIR GROUND
Arsenal and Manchester United’s unpopular owners are no strangers to batting off angry fans to keep their place in charge, fans have been warned.
Dr Dan Plumley of the Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University has told PA Media of the Glazers and Stan Kroenke’s history of being thick-skinned.
He said: “One thing we know from history with American involvement in football clubs – and we’ve seen it at Arsenal – they do stand their ground, they are pretty stubborn.
“That is rooted in the way their sports are run. Stan Kroenke picked up the Rams and moved them [from St Louis to Los Angeles] and nobody can tell you you can’t.
“You upset a full state by moving it, but if you’re prepared to do that then you can do it – you’re the owner. That’s just not the English model and that’s been the cause of the friction over the last few weeks.”
Plumley added: “There’s a potential for this sort of protest to cause damage to the valuation of the club. The angle is to hurt the Glazers in the pocket, but it won’t do too much, to be brutally honest.”
Credit: PA
MAV-ERICK
Sven Mislintat is set to return to Arsenal to attempt a deal for Konstantinos Mavrapanos.
The defender is on loan at the sporting director’s club, Stuttgart, but the deal does not contain a purchase clause.
According to Kicker, the Greece international is wanted for a longer stay and the Gunners’ stance is more and more open to the prospect.
TOP THIER
Thierry Henry hailed the ‘amazing’ support for the social media boycott in response to online abuse in sport – but warned it is just a start.
The Arsenal icon also revealed he is yet to reactivate his accounts after switching off to kickstart the conversation around regulating abuse.
SunSport joined Premier League clubs and a number of broadcasters and other sporting institutions in a Twitter blackout over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Appearing on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Henry said: “When I saw the reaction of football that was amazing.
“Not only football, but in the last two or three days of it, it seems like everybody came to support and I was really happy about it.
“I always mention the strength of the pack because if you’re alone those companies don’t care about individuals.”
Credit: AFP TOUR GUID
Arsenal have been told to pay £43million for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez.
The LaLiga club’s delicate finances have led to a reduction in the 27-year-old’s asking price – down from his £70m release clause.
The Gunners are said by Seville-based newspaper Estadio Deportivo to be leading the interest in the anchor man.
KWIK-E-MART
Michael Owen believes Gabriel Martinelli is exactly the sort of player Mikel Arteta will build his team around.
The Brazilian impressed the ex-striker against Newcastle and was praised for his direct approach.
Owen told Premier League Productions: “They’ve got a lot of good young players at Arsenal.
“I like these players that actually find half a yard and cross it early. As a centre-forward, that’s exactly what you want.
“I hate players that go to cross, cut back, then cut back again and you don’t know when to run. But you see, first-time crosses, the defence can’t get set, the goalkeeper can’t get set properly.
“[Martinelli] has played centrally so he knows that’s what you prefer as a centre-forward.
“I think Mikel Arteta is going to start building his team now around some of these young players.”
FIGHT ISN’T OVER
Arsenal are among the stalwarts of English football back on social media today.
And, following the weekend blackout, the club have unveiled a new community-led initiative to keep up the fight against online hate.
HUTT NOT HOT
Alan Hutton does not believe Ainsley Maitland-Niles is good enough for a summer switch to Leeds.
The former defender spoke to Football Insider on the Arsenal man’s rumoured move to Elland Road.
He said: “It’s obviously been difficult. He’s left Arsenal for West Brom because he had the opportunity to play in the midfield.
“He’s done well but whether he’s going to come in and take Leeds to the next level, I don’t know. He’s still young, he’s still developing. He’s a good prospect to have in your squad.
“Whether he’ll come in and start to be the guy to take you to the next level, I’m not so sure.”
GENERAL LEE
Derby defender Lee Buchanan has caught the eye of Arsenal, according to reports.
The Mail detail the Gunners’ interest in the left-back amid their hunt for an understudy to Kieran Tierney.
The 20-year-old has featured 34 times in the league for the Rams this season.
HEN-OUR ROLL
Thierry Henry chose Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira as his fellow Invincibles for the Premier League Hall of Fame.
As one of the first inductees into the honour roll, the ex-striker chose his takeover pals to join him during a Sky Sports discussion.
The Frenchman said of Bergkamp: ”Bergkamp always wanted to do more, first in training, last in training, doing what the game was asking him to do.
“The passion he had for Arsenal and for the Premier League.
“He made the team better, the guys around him better. At one point he came back and did all of pre-season without a contract, working hard, playing all the friendlies.
On Vieira, Henry noted: “He is the only guy who could play alone in midfield, play 4-1-5 if you want. I knew when Patrick was scanning and I was already coming off my defender because he was getting the ball.”
Credit: AFP TAKEOVER TALK
Daniel Ek’s bid to buy Arsenal is gathering pace and has the approval of the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust.
They state: “The AST welcomed a recent approach from Daniel Ek and his consortium partners Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira, and that they said meeting us was a priority for them.
“A constructive meeting was held and we were encouraged to hear their commitment to making the role of fans central to their proposals. This is very welcome and we look forward to further dialogue.
“We will engage with anyone who has a serious proposal as it is important any current or future owner is aware of the importance of working with fans. We also continue to seek a constructive and meaningful dialogue with Stan and Josh Kroenke.
“Our message to all of them is simple: Football needs to change. Arsenal needs to change
“The major change that must take place is for fans to be given a greater role in the ownership and governance of the club.”
DON’T LUIZ HOPE
Arsenal are reportedly hopeful that David Luiz will play again this season.
Having spent much time on the sidelines this season, the veteran returned against Newcastle on Sunday.
But he was forced off with a hamstring injury, creating fears that the out-of-contract defender will not play again for the club.
According to the Mail, the Gunners are confident he will return before the season’s end.
Credit: AP KAM AND GET IT
Former Arsenal youth star Glen Kamara is on the club’s radar for a summer switch.
According to Football Insider, the Rangers star will be offered a five-year contract at Emirates Stadium if a deal can be done.
Kamara has two years left on his contract with the Scottish champions, who are keen to tie him down further.
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek will reportedly submit a formal bid in the region of £1.8billion to Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke by the end of the week.
The Swedish billionaire is poised to test the American’s resolve by turning his interest into a concrete offer.
Ek, 38, is so desperate to take control of his beloved side, he has teamed up with Invincibles Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp.
Speaking to CNBC last week, Ek – valued at more than £3bn – insisted he has the funds to assume control of Arsenal. That came after the Kroenke family issued a statement where they declared they will not entertain any offers.
But it has been claimed that Arsenal ARE up for sale, with Kroenke willing to do business for the right price. And according to the Telegraph, Ek will submit an offer by the end of the week after attempting to make contact with Kroenke over the weekend.
Sky Sports have stated that Ek will bid £1.8bn, and even if the offer is rejected, his interest will not go away.
Henry also confirmed he is part of Ek’s bid last last night.
When asked if he was part of the potential takeover team, Henry – speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football – said: “It is true.
“Daniel [Ek] is an Arsenal fan. He did not say it for any publicity, he has been an Arsenal fan for a very long time. He approached us, we listened to him. And we knew, first and foremost, that he wanted to involve the fans.”
Elsewhere, the Premier League and FA have vowed to crush the Super League plotters if they attempt another breakaway.
In a move to reassure fans the threat has been killed off for good, the FA launched an inquiry by demanding full and frank answers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and the two Manchester giants.
And the Premier League promised it will change its rulebook to dismiss any possibility of the rebels coming back for a second attempt.
A Prem statement read: “The Premier League has prepared a series of measures to enshrine the core principles of the professional game an open pyramid, progression through sporting merit and the highest standards of sporting integrity.
“These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in future.”
The Big Six are facing disrepute charges for their parts in the attempted coup. FA top brass are understood to feel heavy fines are more likely, rather than punishments that would hit the fans such as points deductions.
BREAKAWAY BAN
The Premier League and FA have vowed to crush the Super League plotters if they attempt another breakaway.
In a move to reassure fans the threat has been killed off for good, the FA launched an inquiry by demanding full and frank answers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and the two Manchester giants.
And the Premier League promised it will change its rulebook to dismiss any possibility of the rebels coming back for a second attempt.
A Prem statement read: “The Premier League has prepared a series of measures to enshrine the core principles of the professional game an open pyramid, progression through sporting merit and the highest standards of sporting integrity.
“These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in future.”
The Big Six are facing disrepute charges for their parts in the attempted coup. FA top brass are understood to feel heavy fines are more likely, rather than punishments that would hit the fans such as points deductions.
ARSENAL FIND ‘ALLY’ IN RODRIGUEZ PURSUIT
Arsenal have reportedly found an ally in their pursuit of Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez.
Mikel Arteta is believed to be interested in the 27-year-old as he looks to boost his defensive midfield options.
Rodriguez has impressed for Betis since joining from Mexican side America last summer, making 41 appearances.
And Spanish newspaper Estadio Deportivo are reporting that River Plate – Rodrgiuez’s first club – are monitoring the situation.
Should the player make a rumoured £43.5million switch to the Emirates, the Argentine side may receive a chuck of the fee due to ‘training rights’.
ARTETA DOESN’T FEAR SACK
Although some may think he’s not far away from being sacked, Mikel Arteta isn’t concerned.
When asked about losing his job – before Sunday’s game against Newcastle – the Gunners boss said: “Well, I don’t want to think that way.
“I want to think that we are going to be in that [Europa League] final and then we are going to have really positive consequences after that.”
ARTETA TO BE SACKED?
Tony Cascarino believes Arsenal and Tottenham are a ‘mess’.
The former Aston Villa and Chelsea striker also thinks Mikel Arteta will be sacked if the Gunners start next season poorly.
Speaking to TalkSport yesterday, Cascarino said: “I was just thinking about how much of a mess these two clubs have got themselves into and it stems from ownership. That has played a massive part.
“The clubs are in a mess. Both have built new stadiums, state of the art. The Emirates was brilliant when it was built. Compete with the very best in Europe and Tottenham have done likewise.
“The problem is they’re a mess on the field. Things are going to be changing at those two clubs. Arteta has got a massive challenge in reinventing Arsenal.
“He will get this summer to do that but 10 games into next year, if things are not very different, he won’t survive.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
