Spotify owner Daniel Ek to present ‘very compelling offer’ to Kroenke family
Swedish billionaire Daniel Ek is expected to submit a £1.8 billion offer to buy Arsenal in the next few days; current owners the Kroenke’s insist they will not sell the Premier League club following criticism over European Super League proposals
Spotify owner Daniel Ek says he is prepared for a “long journey” with his bid to buy Arsenal and will present “a very compelling offer” to try and persuade the Kroenke family to sell up.
As a kid growing up, I’ve cheered for @Arsenal as long as I can remember. If KSE would like to sell Arsenal I'd be happy to throw my hat in the ring.
— Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) April 23, 2021
Swedish billionaire Ek, 38, who has enlisted the support of club legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Patrick Vieira, is expected to submit his first offer – in the region of £1.8 billion – in the next few days.
The Kroenke’s, whose ownership came under renewed opposition following the club’s participation in the failed European Super League last week, insist they “will not entertain any offer”.
Ek expects the Kroenke’s to reject his initial offer but is willing to be patient in what is likely to be a long process.
Speaking to CNBC, Ek said: “I have secured the funds for it and I want to bring what I think is a very compelling offer to the owners and I hope they hear me out.”
Ek, who used Twitter to express interest in a deal last Friday evening, says he is “very serious” with his takeover bid and wants to “engage the fans again”.
“I just see a tremendous opportunity to set a real vision for the club to bring it back to its glory,” he added.
He has already intimated he would be open to having fan representation on the Arsenal board if he succeeds in buying the club, including the possibility of giving supporters a ‘golden share’, which would provide veto power over key decisions.
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“I just focus on the club, I focus on the fans and I focus on trying to bring the club back to glory,” added Ek, who was speaking after Spotify announced their first quarterly results on Wednesday.
“I am first and foremost a fan, that is the most important thing for me. I want the club to do better. That is my primary interest.”
Ek, who co-founded Spotify in 2006 and is worth an estimated £3.2bn, does not consider his approach to buy the club as personal and was careful not to criticize the current owners during his television appearance.
Stan Kroenke, who owns Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), has been Arsenal’s owner since April 2011.
KSE also own NFL franchise Los Angeles Rams, NBA side Denver Nuggets, NHL outfit Colorado Avalanche and MLS side Colorado Rapids.
Arsenal director Josh Kroenke told a fans’ forum that his family would work harder to engage with fans more effectively in the future.
Mikel Arteta’s side – who are currently 10th, 12 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea – effectively need to win the Europa League if they are to play European football next season.
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Tobi Sangotola/Skysports
