Following the news that American billionaire Stan Kroenke was to up his efforts in his bid to take over Arsenal, a new challenger has emerged, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Ecclestone who has made his fortune from motor racing, is worth three times more than Kroenke, having a net worth of around £3billion.
Yesterday it emerged that Kroenke will hold further talks with the board at Arsenal, in an attempt to gain control of the club by means of a takeover. As yet, Kroenke hasn’t enough shares in the club to launch a formal bid, but would use depose vice-chairman David Dein’s portion of the club to get very close to the magical 30% needed.
But out of nowhere, Ecclestone’s interest has been noted. The 76-year-old is famed for his stealthy operating tactics, but even the Arsenal share-holders new nothing about the interest up until last night.
Speaking to Reuters, Ecclestone didn’t refute the speculation, but fuelled it: “I don't know too much about that, actually.”
“It's good if somebody is saying that, because maybe I will be approached and maybe it will be cheap.
“I'll buy anything if it's cheap enough.
“If somebody offers me something that I think is good value, I'll have a go.”
The comments will not endear him to the Arsenal board, who up until now have been against foreign takeover, partly because the passion of the club will be lost in the midst of business. Ecclestone is British, but clearly sees the Arsenal deal as a business opportunity.
It was widely understood that former vice-chairman of the club, David Dein, left his post as he looked more favourably on a foreign takeover, an opinion that the rest of the board did not agree with. Dein may yet come back into the club after a possible takeover, which could see manager Arsene Wenger extend his stay at the Emirates.
Ecclestone has been in touch with Dein, which suggests that they may have been talking shop: “I talked to David obviously when they chucked him out, which I thought was a bit unnecessary.”
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