Alisher Usmanov will reportedly sell his stake in Arsenal to majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and then invest into Everton.
Regardless of the club’s indifferent form on the pitch, Everton are in excellent shape overall, in respect of their youth setup, moving to a new stadium and financial position. If it’s possible, things are about to get even better.
As reported by The Guardian‘s Amy Lawrence, Arsenal’s majority owner Stan Kroenke has made an offer of almost £525 million, to buy Alisher Usmanov’s shares. Usmanov has previously attempted to take over control of the Gunners, but is apparently now ready to give up his 30.4 percent stake in the club.
As Lawrence writes, the 64-year-old has never been able to secure a seat on the board or influence any decisions, despite being involved for 10 years. As a result, he’s finally ready to step away altogether.
If and when this happens, Everton appear set to benefit. As per a report from Rob Guest of The Mirror, Usmanov could be about to invest in the Blues.
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This would see the Russian billionaire reunite with Farhad Moshiri, who also previously held a stake in Arsenal. The two are said to enjoy a much better relationship than the one Usmanov has with Kroenke.
While there are no guarantees at this stage, Usmanov’s involvement with Everton would take their financial security — and spending — to another level. To get some idea of why, consider that he is richer than a certain Roman Abramovich.
It’s possible Usmanov has been laying the groundwork for such a move for some time. As noted by the Echo‘s Joe Rimmer, he owns a firm called USM, which has sponsored the Blues’ training ground in recent months.
Again, there is no certainty at this stage. Regardless, Evertonians have every right to be excited about what potentially lies ahead.
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Do you agree with the speculation that Usmanov is going to invest in Everton? Or are you taking a “wait and see” approach at this stage? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.