The Battle for Arsenal: Many Fans Want Russian Billionaire to Take Over

Fans of the club, known as The Gunners, are increasingly restless and many want the club's owner Stan Kroenke to leave and take manager Arsene Wenger with him.

Although Wenger won the Premier League title in 2002 and again in 2004 — when Arsenal went through the entire season unbeaten — the club has underperformed in recent seasons.

At the Emirates Stadium on Sunday many Arsenal fans were chanting: "Get out of our club, Stan Kroenke, get out of our club!"

Kroenke, who took over a 67 percent majority shareholding in the club in 2011, has been accused of failing to invest in the team, failing to put pressure on Wenger and being satisfied with fourth place, which means qualification for the Champions' League and extra TV revenue.

Usmanov is Russia's richest man and his USM company owns several firms, including Metalloinvest, the largest iron ore producer in Russia. In 2014, he moved all his assets back to Russia, following a call for deoffshorization of the Russian economy by President Vladimir Putin.

Usmanov and Kroenke have been battling for control of the club for almost a decade. In 2009 Kroenke bought enough shares to overtake Usmanov as the largest shareholder. Two years later he bought a majority shareholding.

Moitreyo Handique, 21, an Arsenal fan from Assam in India, said: "I've been supporting Arsenal since 2003. I fell in love with Arsenal. Thierry Henry and Denis Bergkamp made me a hardcore Gooner."

"When Arsene came to England he came in with new ideas which were revolutionary and he had the deep-rooted knowledge of the French league which combined with the genius of David Dein, but with time he became arrogant and his ego inflated and today that same person who revolutionized football is not at all willing to listen to new ideas and not at all open to change. He has lost his touch," Handique told Sputnik.

Handique said: "I believe Usmanov has passion and is willing to make Arsenal a big club."

"He is willing to do that by paying the necessary funds to support the manager in these competitive times. Kroenke is just a greedy American businessman with no passion for the sport. He looks at the club as a corporation rather than a football club. His idea of success is profit, rather than trophies."

"I believe Usmanov will be willing to treat the club as it should be, as a football club," Handique told Sputnik.

The American's company, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE), released a statement today saying: "KSE UK Inc notes the recent media speculation concerning its shareholding in Arsenal Holdings PLC and confirms its shares are not, and never have been, for sale. KSE is a committed, long term investor in Arsenal and will remain so."

But Arsenal fan Mr. DT, who has a YouTube channel all about the club, tweeted today:

​Asked about missing out on the Champions' League, Wenger said last night: "It is disappointing because it's our minimum target. But maybe it will open some eyes to some people that it's not as easy as it looked for 20 years."

He said it was important for the playing squad to stay together and added: "No matter what happens I am convinced this group will win the league."

The Frenchman said he would not confirm until after Saturday's FA Cup Final against Chelsea whether he would remain as Arsenal manager next season.

Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech said Sunday: "If you have one off year in 20 years, it's not a problem.

"The club has a strong foundation, strong organization and everything to be out for one year and come back straight in, like Chelsea did last season. I think it helped them not to be involved [in Europe] this season, because they could keep all their energy for the league."

Kroenke owns several sporting franchises in the US — NFL side LA Rams, NBA outfit Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids in the MLS and ice hockey team Colorado Avalanche.

But this season they are all struggling and critics say he has a track record of failing to invest in teams he owns.

His most expensive signing for Arsenal — Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez, who joined for US$45 million in 2014 — is reportedly unhappy at the club and is thought to be considering a move to Manchester City or Bayern Munich. 

Arsenal are estimated to be worth US$2.35 billion and Kroenke's shareholding is worth around US$1.56 billion.

It is thought that if Usmanov offers him enough money he will walk away, especially as the club's fans are becoming increasingly hostile.

Usmanov, who is worth US$14.6 billion, has deep pockets and he appears to believe now is the right time for him to strike.

If he takes over it could spark a major investment as he seeks to take on another Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, whose club Chelsea have just won the Premier League title.