Vieira claims Ek ‘definitely going to try again’ to buy Arsenal

Patrick Vieira says Spotify founder Daniel Ek will try again to buy Arsenal after his initial offer was turned down.

The Swedish billionaire, a boyhood Arsenal fan, tweeted his interest in purchasing the north London outfit last month during protests against owner Stan Kroenke following the club’s involvement in the European Super League project.

Arsenal were one of six Premier League clubs to sign up for a breakaway European competition last month before quickly withdrawing from the process less than 48 hours later.

Gossip: Arsenal and Spurs both linked to £40m men

Thousands of fans protested outside the Emirates Stadium before their 1-0 defeat to Everton on April 23 when Ek registered interest in buying the Gunners.

Kroenke, who owns the club through his Kroenke Sports and Entertainment business, has stressed that he has no interest in selling but Ek moved forward with his plans and has the backing of former Arsenal players Dennis Bergkamp, Vieira and Thierry Henry in a potential takeover.

And the 38-year-old has said he has made an offer to the Kroenkes over buying Arsenal, which son and director Josh is believed to have turned down.

In a statement posted on Twitter 11 days ago, Ek said: “Inaccurate reports emerged today saying I have not made a bid for Arsenal Football Club.

“I think it’s important to correct the record – this week an offer was made to both Josh Kroenke and their bankers that included fan ownership, representation at the board and a golden share for the supporters.

“They said that they don’t need the money. I respect their decision but remain interested and available should that situation ever change.”

But Arsenal legend Vieira is convinced Ek will submit a fresh offer very soon as he looks to take control of the Premier League club.

“He [Ek] is definitely going to try again,” Vieira said.

“He is going to be there for quite a long time. He’s a massive Arsenal fan. And talking to him a couple of times his desire and his commitment to Arsenal Football Club will be fantastic.

“Obviously, if the club is not for sale there is nothing that he can do but he’s going to be there and he’s going to wait and he wants to buy the club.

“I think it will be really important because Arsenal is in a critical moment. For me, it is the right time for him to do his maximum or to do what is possible to buy the club, to convince the country to buy the club.”