Izuchukwu Okosi
The world’s 10th richest man, India’s Mukesh Ambani, would reportedly bid for Arsenal over English Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United.
The Asian businessman, who sits in 10th position on Forbes’ list and is reported to have net worth of £76.6bn, had been linked to takeovers at Anfield and Old Trafford after both clubs were listed for sale in November.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn 2019, Nigeria’s industrialist Aliko Dangote was quoted as saying that after the completion of his oil refinery project in Lagos, he would be able to buy the club in the year 2023. It is, however, doubtful that Dangote will still be able to bid for Arsenal at this time.
“He has no money to bid now. Refinery project has dealt a blow to that ambition. Arsenal will cost nothing less than £5 billion,” a communication expert close to Dangote’s business operations told PBA.
However, The Athletic on Monday evening reports that Arsenal would be his preference over the two sides listed for sale, with his son, 31-year-old Akash, a huge fan of Mikel Arteta’s team.
The Gunners have not been publicly put up for sale by their current owners the Kroenke family, who have owned a majority stake in the club since 2011.
The 65-year-old, who made his fortune as the head of Reliance Industries, a multi-industry conglomerate, owns the Mumbai Indians cricket franchise and the report states that he holds an interest in football.
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Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League, five points clear of defending champions Manchester City ahead of the return of the league.
The interest in Arsenal comes amid similar effort by a joint consortium from Saudi Arabia and Qatar said to be preparing a £3.2bn bid to buy Liverpool from Fenway Sports Group.
The Reds have been owned by the American company for 12 years since their £300m purchase in October 2010, but John W Henry is now on the lookout for new investors.
It is believed that American-owned company FSG are leaning towards a partial sale of the Merseyside club, but chairman Tom Werner has confirmed that the American firm would consider a full sale in the right circumstances.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
