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Daniel Ek sends clear Arsenal takeover message to Kroenkes before North London Derby

Daniel Ek
-Credit: (Image: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)


Spotify co-founder and Arsenal fan Daniel Ek has admitted buying the club is not currently in his plans after seeing his efforts rebuffed in the past.

The Swedish billionaire made attempts to buy the club back in 2021, but had an offer rejected. Ek, worth a reported $5billion (£3bn), was thought to have had Arsenal legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira as part of his bid team.

He first signalled his interest in the club following protests by the fans against the Kroenkes for their role in the failed European Super League. "I've been an Arsenal fan since I was eight years old," Ek said, three years ago. "Arsenal is my team. I love the history. I love the players. And of course, I love the fans.

"So as I look at that, I just see a tremendous opportunity to set a real vision for the club to bring it back to its glory. And I want to establish trust with fans and I want to engage the fans again."

Stan Kroenke, 77, took a 9.9 per cent stake in Arsenal in 2007 before acquiring a 100 per cent ownership of the club in 2018. Arsenal have been transformed since.

Under Josh Kroenke, who took on a role with increased importance, there has been a marked improvement on the pitch. Sporting director Edu Gaspar has helped to lead the turnaround and Mikel Arteta fronting the club as head coach has risen to be one of the standout managers in the world.

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During a new interview with The Times, Ek admitted being pleased to see Arsenal doing well under Mikel Arteta. "As a fan, I’m incredibly happy that they’re doing so well," he said.

Asked if his dream to buy the club was dead after the owners stated they were not interested in selling, the Swede declared: "For now, for sure. It’s sad on one hand, but I’m incredibly happy anyway."