Reports had claimed that Kroenke, who owns 67% of the ‘Gunners’ had made an offer of around £525m to buy the 18,695 shares that Usmanov owns and that talks were ongoing over a deal.
However, Usmanov moved to refute those claims on Wednesday, insisting that his interest in Arsenal is ‘long-term’ and saying that he would be interested in buying more shares if possible.
Depsite his large stake in the club, Usmanov is not on the Arsenal board and does not have any say in the club’s decision-making.
Following the news of Kroenke’s bid, the Arsenal Supporters’ trust pleaded with Usmanov not to sell his stake, leading to him releasing the following statement.
“In recent days, there has been speculation relating to a possible offer for my 30 per cent stake in Arsenal.
“As part of that, I can understand the anxiety that these rumours are causing to the fans as reflected by the Arsenal Supporters Trust.
“In light of this, I would like to be clear that I am not holding any talks with Mr Kroenke about a sale.
“My interest in Arsenal from the beginning was long term and my intention has always been to buy additional shares should they become available.
“This I did with the purchase of the stake of my business partner Farhad Moshiri with which I increased my shareholding from 15 per cent to 30 per cent, and also with my proposed offer for the stake of the majority shareholder which valued the club at some £2bn. That offer remains valid today.
“I have always been and will continue to be an ardent supporter of Arsenal and I see my 30 per cent stake as an important aspect in protecting the best interests of the fans in the club.
“It has been well documented that I have no say in the running of the club, that my views differ from those of the majority shareholder and that I would take a different approach to delivering footballing success.
“I would like to assure supporters that I am open to various future scenarios – a constructive partnership with the majority shareholder, the purchase of his stake either alone or in a consortium, or if a party appears who shares my and undoubtedly the majority of fans’ vision for the club, I could consider the question of selling my stake.”
So, it looks like Usmanov is going nowhere any time soon. Despite Arsenal fans being happy with Usmanov staying, there is no doubt that they would rather have things running more smoothly behind the scenes.
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