Post by Salem6 on Oct 28, 2003 18:32:58 GMT
By Steve Stammers, Evening Standard
27 October 2003
Arsenal have had no approaches from Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin.
Reports yesterday suggested Potanin, said to be worth around £ 4.3billion and Russia's fifth richest man, wanted to invest £120million of his fortune into the north Lonson club.
It was thought Potanin was ready to help fund the new £450m stadium at Ashburton Grove, rather than copy compatriot Roman Abramovich's £140m buyout of Chelsea.
However, there were denials from his company Interros last night that he was interested in buying into Arsenal and there has been no contact with anybody close to the stadium project or an offer for any shares.
"There has been nothing, no moves to buy shares at all," an Arsenal source said today.
Indeed, the club may even be in a position to announce in the near future - possibly as early as next week - that the finance is now in place for the Ashburton Grove scheme.
The project has been hit by delays but it is now thought that just a few minor obstacles remain before Arsenal can say they have raised the necessary cash to allow work to resume on the site. The club's new home is planned to open by the start of the 2006-07 season.
27 October 2003
Arsenal have had no approaches from Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin.
Reports yesterday suggested Potanin, said to be worth around £ 4.3billion and Russia's fifth richest man, wanted to invest £120million of his fortune into the north Lonson club.
It was thought Potanin was ready to help fund the new £450m stadium at Ashburton Grove, rather than copy compatriot Roman Abramovich's £140m buyout of Chelsea.
However, there were denials from his company Interros last night that he was interested in buying into Arsenal and there has been no contact with anybody close to the stadium project or an offer for any shares.
"There has been nothing, no moves to buy shares at all," an Arsenal source said today.
Indeed, the club may even be in a position to announce in the near future - possibly as early as next week - that the finance is now in place for the Ashburton Grove scheme.
The project has been hit by delays but it is now thought that just a few minor obstacles remain before Arsenal can say they have raised the necessary cash to allow work to resume on the site. The club's new home is planned to open by the start of the 2006-07 season.
