Wenger in dark over takeover

Arsene Wenger has insisted he has no knowledge of a potential takeover at Arsenal and stressed that is a decision for the owners.

Last Updated: 03/03/13 at 21:40 Post Comment

Arsene Wenger: Knows nothing about reports of an Arsenal takeover

Arsene Wenger: Knows nothing about reports of an Arsenal takeover

Arsenal have dismissed talk of a possible buy-out at Emirates Stadium after reports emerged claiming a Middle East consortium were preparing a £1.5billion bid to buy out the Premier League club at around £20,000 a share.

Wenger would not be drawn on the issue when asked to comment after Sunday's loss to Tottenham Hotspur, as he concentrates on managing the team.

Asked what he knew, Wenger said: "Nothing. If people are ready to invest their money it means the club is not moving too much in a bad direction.

"I am nothing to do with it. I focus on my job, financial is down to the directors, shareholders and the owners."

Wenger added: "You are only vulnerable if you want to sell and you need money.

"(However), that doesn't concern me at all, that is down to the owners."

Arsenal have made it clear that they have received no contact from potential bidders and that majority shareholder Stan Kroenke would have no intention of selling his controlling stake.

Uzbek oil magnate Alisher Usmanov remains Arsenal's second largest shareholder with 29.96%, but does not currently hold a seat on the board.

Reports suggest if successful in a potential takeover, the consortium - said to be backed by funds from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates - would be ready to work with Usmanov's Red & White Holdings to help drive the Gunners back to the top of European football, vowing to slash ticket prices and stop the sale of star players such as former captains Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal have not won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, during which period Wenger has long championed the club's self-sustaining policy and the need for UEFA's new Financial Fair Play regulations.

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