Aliko Dangote has been linked with a takeover of Arsenal for some time. The Nigerian billionaire has made many statements about his desire to one day own the Gunners.
The richest man in Africa has indicated that he will be looking to follow through on his hopes of taking over in North London shortly.
The 63-year-old was initially linked with a move to buy out Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith’s 15.9% shares in 2011 but he later abandoned the deal in a bid to focus on his refinery project in Lagos.
With the project nearing completion, the Kano-born business mogul might be ready for the takeover from Stan Kroenke at the Emirates Stadium.
The American businessman, Stan Kroenke, is the owner of the club and he also owns the LA Rams American Football team. However, the 73-year-old has been heavily criticised for not putting money into the club.
Dangote is the 88th richest person in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He has spoken about becoming Arsenal’s owner on multiple occasions.
In June 2015, Dangote admitted he was interested in buying Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith’s 15.9 per cent stake in 2011, which were eventually purchased by Stan Kroenke
“We backtracked because we were very busy doing other things, especially our industrialisation. When we get this refinery on track, I will have enough time and enough resources to pay what they are asking for.”
In September 2016, he stated that a takeover would be a question of timing rather than money.
“It’s not about buying Arsenal and just continuing with business as usual,” Dangote said.
“It’s about buying Arsenal and turning it around. I’ve run a very successful business and I think I can also run a very successful team. Right now, with what we’re facing, over $20 billion projects, I cannot do both.’’ He said.
“There’s no doubt, I’ll buy Arsenal, it’s not a problem of money
“The issue is that we have more challenging headwinds. I need to get those out the way first and start having tailwinds. Then I’ll focus on this.”
In August 2017, he reiterated his desire.
“I don’t want to go after Arsenal until I deliver the refinery. Once I deliver, I will go after Arsenal.
And in January 2020, he stated once more that when his current business interests are concluded, he will move on to the Gunners.
“It is a team that yes I would like to buy someday, but what I keep saying is we have $20billion worth of projects and that’s what I want to concentrate on. I’m trying to finish building the company and then after we finish, maybe sometime in 2021 we can.
“I’m not buying Arsenal right now, I’m buying Arsenal when I finish all these projects because I’m trying to take the company to the next level.”