Nigerian Billionaire and the richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote has revealed plans to buy Arsenal Football Club in 2021, MySportDab reports.
The Nigerian has a net worth of more than £8.5billion and earned his fortune after founding Dangote Cement, Africa’s largest cement producer.
The 62-year-old also owns stakes in publicly-traded salt, sugar and flour manufacturing companies.
Dangote had promised a takeover bid of Arsenal in 2020, but with his Dangote Refinery still in construction and is set to be one of the world’s largest oil refineries, he has confirmed a new year for the Arsenal plans.
Arsenal fans have grown frustrated with current owner Stan Kroenke for some many years, with the owner barely showing his face at the Emirates, while Arsenal continue to struggle.
This is Dangote saying it himself that he will buy Arsenal so confidently like he wants to buy an iPhone or a new car.He is also a die hard Arsenal fan. Be excited Arsenal fans this decade we are winning the UCL. pic.twitter.com/cQoW5fARHx
— IAMCenthiva (@Centhiva) The Fans would certainly love a change in ownership, and Dangote could surely change Arsenal’s fortunes.
‘It is a club that yes I would like to buy one day, but what I am trying to make clear is that we have $20billion worth of projects ongoing and that’s what I am focused on for now,’ Dangote told the David Rubenstein Show.
‘I’m trying to finish the projects and then after we done, maybe some time in 2021 we can buy Arsenal.
‘I am not buying Arsenal now, I’m buying Arsenal when I finish all those projects, because I’m trying to take my company to the next level.’
Arsenal have been struggling in the 10th place in the Premier League after a shocking end of Unai Emery’s reign, but have shown signs of improvement following the appointment of Mikel Ateta.