Power struggle at Arsenal suggests a huge and crucial summer ahead

Power struggle at Arsenal suggests a huge and crucial summer ahead

Arsenal are set for major changes this summer to improve on what has been a disappointing campaign and those changes could be seen throughout the club, following a major move reported this week to takeover from Stan Kroenke.

The Financial Times reported yesterday that Russia billionaire Alisher Usmanov had made a huge £1.2bn move to takeover Arsenal from majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, which the American business magnate is said to have rejected.


Usmanov holds over 30% shares in Arsenal and has been keen to takeover the Premier League side for the past decade, as he’s frustrated with the club’s failures and believes there has been major mismanagement at board level.

Significantly, it’s indicated that at least two other parties are expressing interest in buying Arsenal and it sets up a major summer for the Gunners- as Kroenke is now under pressure to prove his ambition and loyalty to the club.

Often considered an absent owner, many fans are unhappy with Kroenke’s involvement and the lack of investment compared to Premier League rivals- although the Gunners did splash in excess of £100m last summer.

Usmanov’s move puts the pressure on Kroenke to act this summer but it was always unlikely the American was going to sell, particularly to a man he has a poor relationship with, but the move is very strategic from the Russian.

Fans are now aware of Usmanov’s revived interest in the club and want to see the Gunners push forward, so Kroenke risks backlash from Arsenal fans if he fails to invest significantly this summer and secure top-class signings.

Pressure is also on the board due to the uncertain futures of key-players like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, whilst many feel that Arsene Wenger has too much power at the club- and Usmanov would likely change that.

Admittedly, if Usmanov was to come in then Wenger would likely stay on as manager but the Russian has spoken previously about the need to prepare for the Frenchman’s inevitable departure and he would set-up a plan for the future.

Kroenke could still be tempted into a sale, likely to other investors rather than Usmanov, but that puts Arsenal in a difficult position as the American would be unlikely to put money into the club this summer if he plans to sell.

Usmanov’s tactical move though sets up an interesting year for the Gunners, as they’ll seek to prove themselves domestically and on the continent once again with top-class performances and the addition of big players.

Should the Gunners fail to move forward, then Usmanov would have more power from the fanbase and his dreams of leading Arsenal could become a reality.