Africa’s richest man confident of buying Arsenal, will sack Arsene Wenger immediately
Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote – who has been plotting to buy English Premier League side Arsenal for years now – says his first move if he managed the purchase would be to fire long-serving coach Arsene Wenger.
The Nigerian billionaire told Bloomberg in an interview that he still has plans to make an offer to majority owner Stan Kroenke once the construction of a new oil refinery in Lagos is completed.
“The first thing I would change is the coach,” Dangote was quoted as saying. “He has done a good job, but someone else should also try his luck.”
Wenger was offered a new two-year contract at the end of last season despite a turbulent campaign that saw his side finish fifth in the Premier League, missing out on a Champions League spot –the first time in 20 years.
The 67-year-old French tactician has been the manager of Arsenal since October 1996, and is currently the Premier League’s longest serving manager.
In his time at Arsenal, Wenger has won three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and seven Community Shields.
Dangote is confident he would be able to convince Kroenke to sell his stake by giving a good offer.
“If they get the right offer, I’m sure they would walk away,” he said. “Someone will give them an offer that will make them seriously consider walking away. And when we finish the refinery, I think we will be in a position to do that.”
According to Forbes, Dangote has a net worth of nearly $13 billion — considerably more than Kroenke’s $7.5bn.
