23AndreyArshavin
Established Member
Despite apparently being outflanked by Stan Kroenke, he has still not given up hope of taking control of the Premier League club.
The Uzbek billionaire has been offered other clubs but has told all-comers that he's not interested. It's either Arsenal or nothing. And it seems he is preparing his tactics.
Much has been made of Usmanov writing to shareholders ahead of next week's annual meeting to try to scoop up enough shares to push his 29.5 per cent holding over the 30 per cent mark by offering £14,500 a share. But the move is not especially significant. It means Usmanov can take the revamped Premier League test for owners and directors – formerly known as the fit and proper persons test – but it does not allow him a place on the board.
That remains in Arsenal's gift. And the indications from the club and Kroenke, who owns 66 per cent, is that there will be no attempt at a dialogue with Usmanov. So what does he do? It would appear his options are limited but one tactic – after his attempts to get involved, including suggesting a rights issue and offering investment, were frustrated – would be to see how this season pans out.
Arsenal are struggling and there is a real fear that they may fail to qualify for the Champions League for the first time under Arsène Wenger. The manager's position is under severe scrutiny, supporters are more restless than for some time and there is a sense of change in the air.
If Arsenal's season does not improve, where would that leave Kroenke if Usmanov makes a big offer next summer to buy him out? Kroenke is adamant, as he told The Daily Telegraph recently, that he is a long-term investor and has the track record to prove it, but Usmanov seems likely to want to test that resolve.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...e-prepares-to-test-Stan-Kroenkes-resolve.html
I'd love to see Usmanov take over, he wants to make us a force again and could possibly bring Dein back to Arsenal.
Can't see it happening tho and we'll have to deal with PHW and co still