Alisher Usmanov wants to increase his Arsenal shareholding in move that could spark a boardroom power struggle at the Emirates.
The Daily Mail claims that the Uzbeki billionaire , the club’s second biggest shareholder, is trying to increase his stake to 30 per cent. He owns just over 29 percent but will write to the club’s smaller shareholders this week, offering to buy shares at £14,500 each.
And the paper points out that reaching the 30 per cent threshold would make Usmanov eligible for the Premier League’s owners and directors test and passing that would clear the way for him to secure a seat on the board. But whether Usmanov – who is rated as the 35th richest person in the world – would be offered a place on the Gunners’ top table remains to be seen.
The paper adds that Stan Kroenke will be quizzed by Gooners when he attends the club’s Annual General Meeting on October 27.
Meanwhile, the Expres says Arsenal will attempt to open contract talks with their top players in November amid fears rival clubs are already eyeing moves for the likes of striker Robin van Persie in January.
And the Mirror claims and Arsenal are interested in Plymouth’s 16-year-old winger Matt Lecointe, who is rated as “the next Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain”.
Another report claims Arsenal are facing competition for Lille midfielder Eden Hazard from Real Madrid, according to the Belgian’s agent.
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