Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote has stated he will turn his back on making a bid for Arsenal if Stan Kroenke refuses to sell.

The Nigerian billionaire is a Gunners fan and has stated on a number of occasions in the past that he would like to buy the London club.

However, speaking recently at the New Economy Forum in Singapore, Dangote said he may consider buying another football team if he can’t agree a takeover deal for Arsenal:

“I’m very attached to Arsenal but if he won’t sell, I might have to change. I’m very much a fan of football. I’ll like to have a club. I don’t have to own Arsenal.”

“By the time we’ve finished [the oil refinery], we’ll be a $30bn [£22.8bn] company in terms of revenue.”

Kroenke has already seen off Alisha Usmanov, with the American having taken full control of the Gunners after a lengthy battle with the Russian billionaire.

Dangote’s net worth is reportedly $12.2 billion, $100 million more than 12 months ago. As the business tycoon states, he is close to finishing an oil refinery which could see his personal fortune rise substantially.

In contrast, Kroenke’s net worth is currently $8.5 billion, owning four Sports franchises in the United States, including American football team Los Angeles Rams and NBA Side Denver Nuggets.