I’m an Arsenal fan but don’t want to invest in club, says Nigerian tycoon
NIGERIA’S wealthiest man Aliko Dangote has emphatically ruled out buying a stake in Arsenal, following reports he could snap up Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith’s 15.9 per cent shareholding.
Dangote, who is estimated to be worth £1.5bn, was said to be interested in acquiring Lady Bracewell-Smith’s shares, which would be expected to fetch around £100m. But while he admitted being a Gunners supporter and having talks about investing in the Premier League club in the past, he made it clear he would not be taking the matter any further.
“I am a longstanding supporter of Arsenal Football Club and have been involved in conversations around investment in the past,” Dangote said in a statement.
“However, I can say categorically at this time that I have no intention of investing in the club and will not be acquiring a stake. I wish Arsenal Football Club the best for the future and will continue to follow the team as a fan.”
Dangote’s spokesman had earlier backed up reports the sugar and flour tycoon could buy Lady Bracewell-Smith’s stake by saying: “I can confirm that Aliko Dangote is interested.” The 53-year-old is president of the Dangote Group, which also has interests in cement, and was ranked 463rd richest person in the world this year.