One of the leading shareholders at Arsenal, Alisher Usmanov has sensationally claimed that the former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry wants him to buy out Arsenal. The Russian billionaire is currently the second major shareholder at the club. The American billionaire Stan Kroenke leads the way by having the majority of shares, while he also enjoys a great relationship with most of the board members at the club. The 59-year-old Russian currently has 29.9% share in the club, while he could be subjected to a bid from Stan Kroenke according to the rules and regulations in the United Kingdom because the American owns more than 30%.

There have been suggestions that the Arsenal board are not in favour of Usmanov becoming the sole owner to the club. Now, the Russian has sensationally claimed that the former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, who is regarded as a legend by the fans at the club, wants him to own the club. The 34-year-old New York Red Bulls striker scored 228 goals for the club in two spells. He came extremely close to joining the club for a third spell in January before being ruled out by the manager Arsene Wenger, who doesn’t have the riches on offer like City and Chelsea.

“I like many footballers and I’m in contact with some of them. Perhaps my favourite of the last 10, 15 years is Thierry Henry. He’s pushing me to buy all of Arsenal’s shares but I cannot predict the future. When I had the chance to buy some shares and become one of the main shareholders, I didn’t hesitate. I was even ready to take total control. For me, Arsene Wenger is one of the best coaches in the world but it’s not easy for him,” said Usmanov. He could become the next Russian owner after the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.