By Peter Olorunnisomo – There is no doubt that Arsene Wenger has been an iconic coach for Arsenal FC. This has no doubt helped the fan base of the club worldwide to stretch even wider. By implication, the economic fortunes of the club has increased tremendously particularly from the position of branding and souvenirs and the cult followership which stretches beyond the shores of the United Kingdom.
Recent events show that even whole countries now adopt premiership sides like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City. This is further helped, as in this case, by players from those countries playing for the teams and becoming highly successful taking the clubs to greater if not dizzy heights.
Not only was Kanu Nwankwo a Nilean jewel to Arsenal but it appears that millionaires and billionaires alike are not free from the ‘followership’ bug. Only that in this case, they are probable able to do more than watch every match by pay-per-view from outside Europe but also may want a piece of the ownership to demonstrate their passions better.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has never hidden his passion for football and most essentially Arsenal FC. About a year ago, it was fogged that he was keen on taking over the team. But the steam of that news settled with the wind. this may have been helped by his own passionate pronouncement at the time.
The fog is back and better steamed, again, by his comments. but it doesn’t stop there. News has it that to prosecute his possible ambition and love for Arsenal, a take-over would not only be on the table but also the imminent removal of Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman is Europe’s longest-serving manager but will be shunted should Africa’s richest man take over in north London
Arsene Wenger will be sacked as Arsenal manager should Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote succeed in buying the Premier League club.
Wenger has been in charge of Arsenal’s first-team affairs since 1996, leading the Gunners to seven FA Cups, three Premier League titles, and a Champions League final.
Without a title-winning campaign since 2003-04, though, pressure has grown on the Frenchman to leave his position.
Wenger signed a two-year contract extension at the club at the end of the 2016-17 season, despite finishing fifth in the Premier League table. Should Dangote take over, he will end Wenger’s reign at the club.
“The first thing I would change is the coach,” Dangote who has already outlined his early plans for Arsenal and its backroom structure, told Bloomberg.
“He has done a good job, but someone else should also try his luck.”
The 60-year-old, estimated to be Africa’s richest man with a wealth of around £11 billion, has long sought after ownership of the north London club and insists he will be ready to table an official bid once the construction of an $11bn oil refinery in Lagos is completed.
Arsenal have been the focus of a number of takeover bids, with Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who already holds a 30 per cent stake in the club, attempting to buy out majority shareholder, Stan Kroenke.
The American businessman owns around 67% of the Gunners, and turned down a deal which valued the club at around £2bn.
Dangote believes that the Arsenal bigwigs could be convinced to walk away though, and has promised that he will one day be in charge at the Emirates.
“If they get the right offer, I’m sure they would walk away,” Dangote added. “Someone will give them an offer that will make them seriously consider walking away. And when we finish the refinery, I think we will be in a position to do that.”
“It’s a great team, well-run. It could be run better, so I will be there. I will wait. Even if things change I will take it.”
If Dangote eventually takes ‘it’, how much of Arsenal will remain when Wenger leaves and a new coach is unveiled? What players will be there and the fans who own the club? But good money has always been an advocate of good tidings in the premiership. You don’t believe? Ask the ‘Special one’.
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