HENRY BACKS BUY-OUT

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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.

STILL HOPE

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The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he believes that there is still a chance that Arsenal will be able to win the title this season. Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier league table, but they have made up a lot of ground in recent weeks after netting four consecutive wins on the belt. The 7-3 win over Newcastle United during weekend helped them move up to the first position just three points behind their arch rivals Tottenham, but they have the opportunity to keep us Tottenham if they win the game in hand.

Even though it had still put them many points behind the leaders United, Wenger believes that the fact that there is a lot of games still to be played in the Premier league means that he can continue believing that Arsenal can win the title. It has been eight seasons since Arsenal last lifted Premier League trophy. There is a 16 point gap between them and the leaders United. Many believe that the title race is already won by United after they opened a seven-point advantage over second placed Manchester city, which would leave many baffled by the belief of Arsene Wenger. Wenger is also hoping that the star winger Theo Walcott signs a new deal.

“We come from far and we need to be consistent if we want to have the chance to come back. What is at stake is that we must show we are consistent from game to game. They are a team who has learned to play in the Premier League now. Giroud came on against Newcastle and looked very sharp, dangerous on crosses and technically sound. He had an impact when he came on,” said the Arsenal manager, whose team will be facing Southampton on Tuesday night looking to win the fifth consecutive Premier League match.

WENGER BACS GIROUD

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The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stood by his decisions to substitute the goalscorer Olivier Giroud in the match against Aston Villa, while he also kept the star midfielder Jack Wilshere on the bench for the full course of the 90 min as well. Arsenal were involved in a disappointing 0-0 draw with Aston Villa during the weekend. This result once again put them numerous points behind the leaders Manchester United even at this early stage in the season. They look to be heading for another season without a Premier league title. However, criticism for Wenger has come in the form of his decisions during the Aston Villa match.

Wenger decided to take off the striker Olivier Giroud for a defensive midfielder for match. Meanwhile, he also did not elect to use the star midfielder Jack Wilshere throughout the match, even though Arsenal were chasing one goal that would have given them three points in the match. Arsenal fans were extremely displeased after the match because they were coming up against an Aston Villa side that was recently beaten 5-0 by Manchester City. Wenger has defended his decision by saying that Jack Wilshere had just played two games in the space of four days. He has just recently returned from a long-term injury problem.

“Jack Wilshere has played three or four games in quick succession so I decided to give him a breather on Saturday. It’s a relief that he’s had no setback since he came back. He had a little inflammation but I think the rest will help him to get rid of it. Apart from that, he’s done very well. He’s not played for 17 months, people forget what that means – it’s massive. I’m very happy with the way he progresses,” said Wenger after the match.