Spotify founder and Swedish billionaire Daniel Ek has said that he is ‘very serious’ about buying Arsenal, and he has already secured funds for a potential takeover bid.
Ek declared his interest in buying the north London club last week, when they were fierce protests from the fans voicing their disapproval against owner Stan Kroenke.
Kroenke and his son Josh have since released a joint statement that they are ‘100% committed‘ to the club, and have no plans of listening to any offers.
In an interview with CNBC, Ek has now said that he is very serious about buying his favourite club Arsenal, and he has already secured funds for a potential takeover.
He said: “I’m very serious (about the offer to buy Arsenal). I have secured the funds for it and I want to bring what I think is a very compelling offer to the owners and I hope they hear me out.”
He added that an agreement may not be reached overnight, and he is prepared for the long haul in order to convince the Kroenke family to part ways with the Gunners.
Ek added: “I certainly didn’t expect that this would happen overnight and I’m prepared that this could be a long journey. All I can do is prepare what I think is a very thoughtful offer and bring it to them and hope they hear me out.”
Ek has a net worth of around £3.17 billion, and he may not afford the reported £2.15bn valuation to purchase the club outright without the involvement of a consortium or partner.
It has been recently reported that Gunners legends Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp have joined hands with Ek to push through a potential takeover.
As things stand, the Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) group are unmoved from their not-for-sale stance, but it could be an interesting summer ahead.
The KSE have promised to provide funds for investment at the end of the season, but limited transfer activity may lead to further criticism from the fans.
Read: ‘If I can help Arsenal, I will’: Arsene Wenger makes Gunners plea amid takeover talk.
