Source: Eurosport
Kroenke close to Arsenal tipping point
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who once said of Stan Kroenke "we don't need his money and we don't want his sort", has delivered the American to the brink of a formal takeover of the north London club.[LNB] The Denver-based sports magnate has acquired another 200 shares to control 29.9% of the club - just short of the 29.99% mark beyond which he would be forced to make an offer for the remaining shares.[LNB] Asked if he thought it was significant that it was Hill-Wood who had sold the latest batch of shares to Kroenke, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger agreed but added: "A takeover is certainly not inevitable."[LNB] Much has been made of just what Kroenke - nicknamed 'Silent Stan' for his aversion to the media spotlight - may have in mind for the Gunners.[LNB] However, manager Wenger maintained: "Without any doubt he is interested in football and Arsenal.[LNB] "It can have both a positive and a negative influence, that is the same with every owner.[LNB] "As to what his ambitions and goals are, I do not know. He can answer that question better than me."[LNB] Wenger added: "He is at 29.9%, so he is not yet in a position where is has to make a bid, so the situation at the club does not change."[LNB] The Arsenal boss insists he remains focussed on the job in hand with the team, rather than what may be going on 'above' in the Emirates Stadium boardroom.[LNB] "I take care of what is under my responsibility - that means the team, the way we play, the results and our next game. All the rest is a little bit above my head," said Wenger.
