Alisher Usmanov will not sell Arsenal shares despite Everton claim
More turmoil at the Emirates as Stan Kroenke's major rival is forced to deny claims he is about to back ambitious Toffees
Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has rejected rumours that he is on the brink of selling his 30 per cent stake in the club and investing in rivals Everton instead.
The idea was first floated on the fan website Arseblog, which suggested that the Uzbek-born Russian billionaire, who has been a vocal critic of both Arsene Wenger and majority shareholder Stan Kroenke in recent seasons, was fed up with his lack of influence at the club. The report added that he might be tempted to sell up and throw in his lot with his former business partner Farhad Moshiri, who took a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton earlier this year.
However, a spokesman for Usmanov has responded by stating that he "does not intend to sell his stake in Arsenal", and added: "Mr Usmanov continues to be committed to Arsenal and considers his stake in the Club as a long-term investment for his family and future generations."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Moshiri was originally a backer of Usmanov's Red and White Holdings, the company that owns his Arsenal stake, but he sold up earlier this year and used the money to buy into Everton, where he is "now considered the major powerbroker in a more ambitious era for the Merseyside club", reports City AM.
The optimism at Goodison Park is in stark contrast to the mood at the Emirates, where an opening day defeat to Liverpool compounded the anger of fans after another summer that has seen the Gunners miss out on some big name transfers.
"Rumours regarding Usmanov's possible exit come amid significant Arsenal supporter dissatisfaction at a perceived lack of ambition from the club's hierarchy, including long-serving manager Arsene Wenger," says City AM.
Although he is not hugely popular at the Emirates, Usmanov is viewed by some fans as the alternative to Kroenke, who is an increasingly unpopular figure who has done little to encourage Arsene Wenger to take the club forward.
Two years ago Usmanov voiced his discontent with the situation at Arsenal and said that Wenger needed to strengthen "every position" if they were to challenge for major honours.
"We just repeat the same results year by year. Quite high to secure the place in the Champions League but we regularly lose in the first circles of play-offs. As an investor I am not happy with that," he said.
Since those comments in November 2014, Arsenal have signed four senior players: Gabriel Paulista, Petr Cech, Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka, and won the FA Cup once.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Pros and cons of VAR in football
Pros and Cons String of mistakes has put new technology under the microscope
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Can Arsenal really win the Premier League title?
feature How the pundits reacted after the Gunners’ late 3-2 victory over Man Utd
By Mike Starling Published
-
Tottenham vs. Arsenal predictions: race for the Premier League top four
feature Expect a ‘seismic’ north London derby with Champions League qualification on the line
By Mike Starling Published
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
Speed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
By The Week Staff Published
-
Handball: swapping bikini bottoms for tight pants
Speed Read Women competitors will be required to ‘wear short tight pants with a close fit’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second coming
Speed Read Last week, Manchester United re-signed the forward on a two-year deal thought to be worth more than £400,000 a week
By The Week Staff Last updated