Stan Kroenke moved to the brink of a full takeover of Arsenal today after minority shareholder Alisher Usmanov accepted an offer worth ?550 million ($712 million) for his stake.
American businessman Kroenke currently owns 67 per cent of the Gunners through his company Kroenke Sports and Entertainment and has offered to purchase the 30 percent held by Usmanov's Red and White Securities firm, valuing the Premier League club at ?1.8billion.
Usmanov confirmed in a statement released to Britain's Press Association that he had accepted the offer but did not give a reason as to why he has now opted to cash in.
Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL, said having a single owner would benefit the club but fans said it was a "dreadful" day.
Despite cup successes in recent years, Arsenal have slipped behind their rivals in the Premier League and have consistently failed to reach the latter stages of the Champions League.
They have not won the title since 2004 and last season finished sixth, 37 points behind champions Manchester City.
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Arsenal, who play City in their season opener on Sunday, are also adjusting to life after Arsene Wenger, who left the club in May after 22 years at the helm, replaced by former Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery.
"We at KSE are moving forward with this offer leading to 100 percent ownership of the club," Kroenke said in a statement published on the London Stock Exchange.
"We appreciate Mr Usmanov's dedication to the Arsenal Football Club and the storied ethos and history the club represents." Later on Tuesday, Red and White Holdings released their own short statement to confirm the deal.
"I have decided to sell my shares in Arsenal Football Club which could be the best football club in the world," said Usmanov.
"I wish all the best and great success to this wonderful football club and to all those whose lives and careers are entwined in it."
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"KSE believes moving to private ownership will bring the benefits of a single owner better able to move quickly in furtherance of the club's strategy and ambitions. KSE is a committed, long-term owner of the club."
"The most dreadful part of this announcement is the news that Kroenke plans to forcibly purchase the shares held by Arsenal fans. Many of these fans are AST members and hold their shares not for value but as custodians who care for the future of the club."
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