April 28 – Arsenal’s American owners, the Kroenke family, have been quick to quash any speculation that they will sell the club following reported interest from Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek.
In the wake of the ESL disintegration Stan Kroenke and his family have been the target of pressure from the Arsenal fanbase and Swedish billionaire Ek hinted on social media at launching a takeover bid for the club he has supported since boyhood, but in a statement the Kroenke said that they “remain 100% committed to Arsenal.”
“In recent days we have noted media speculation regarding a potential takeover bid for Arsenal Football Club,” read a statement signed by both Stan Kroenke and his son Josh. “We remain 100% committed to Arsenal and are not selling any stake in the club. We have not received any offer and would not entertain any offer.
“Our ambition for Arsenal remains to compete to win the biggest trophies in the game and our focus remains on improving our competitiveness on the pitch to achieve this.”
However, their resolve could be tested if Ek presses ahead. The Swede has enlisted Arsenal legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira to prepare a package that could tempt the Kroenkes, whose asking price is believed to be in excess of $2 billion.
The public stand-off comes amid a historic low popularity of the Kroenke family in North London. Fans have seen Arsenal slide under the KSE ownership, but in recent days they have revolted aggressively against the owners’ and Arsenal’s role in the rise and fall of the ESL. On Friday, thousands of supporters took part in a protest against the Kroenkes outside the Emirates Stadium ahead of their game with Everton.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1735100329labto1735100329ofdlr1735100329owedi1735100329sni@o1735100329fni1735100329