Usmanov is keeping his options for Arsenal open

April 14 - Alisher Usmanov (pictured), one of Arsenal’s largest shareholders, is keeping all his options open as speculation over the ownership of the club intensifies.

Red & White Holdings is the investment vehicle for the Russian steel magnate, who has a 26.3 per cent stake in the Gunners.

A statement said Red & White was “a committed long-term investor in Arsenal” which “retains all its options” and stressed that “no particular course of action is ruled in or out”.

Arsenal’s biggest investor, United States billionaire Stan Kroenke, has a 29.98 per cent stake in the club.

Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith has appointed a firm to sell her 15.9 per cent stake in the Gunners.

If Kroenke or Usmanov bought Bracewell-Smith’s stake it would take them over the 30 per cent threshold which, under City takeover rules, requires them to make a formal offer for the business.

But Kroenke said earlier this week that he plans to buy the 60 per cent of the National Football League’s St. Louis Rams he does not already own, which may affect his ability to make a bid for Arsenal.

Arsenal shares are currently valued at about £10,000 each.