Aliko Dangote, considered Africa’s richest man, has revealed that he’s putting together a plan to buy Arsenal within the next four years.
The Nigerian businessman revealed his intention to buy the club last year, but noted that he was waiting for business prospects and investments to improve before launching a bid.
He’s understood to be worth $10.9 billion, as noted by Bloomberg, although it’s added in the same report that he’s lost $4.4 billion this year due to a depreciation in Nigeria’s currency.
Nevertheless, that seemingly hasn’t deterred him from wanting to become the first African owner of a club in the Premier League, and he has now outlined his hopes and plan to complete a takeover of the Gunners in the not so distant future.
“Maybe three to four years. 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.
“It’s not about buying Arsenal and just continuing with business as usual. 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 of projects, I cannot do both.”
Stan Kroenke, who owns a 67 percent share of the club, along with Alisher Usmanov, have received significant criticism during their time with the Gunners, although naturally there will be some apprehension over Dangote too until his financial results improve and he can show his commitment to Arsenal.
Nevertheless, it’s certainly an interesting time for the Gunners as fresh investment and funds would be welcomed, and it would certainly be a major breakthrough if Dangote is able to become the first African owner in the English top flight which sees most matches broadcast live in his home country of Nigeria.