Aliko Dangote, the chairman of the Dangote Group, has expressed remorse for not having acquired Arsenal for $2 billion in the past.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man and joint 144th wealthiest individual in the world per Forbes (2024), said it appears the ”time has passed” to purchase Arsenal, having previously shown interest in the acquiring the North London out fit.
Aliko Dangote on not purchasing Arsenal
Speaking with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua in New York on Monday, he said:
“I think that time has passed. The last time we had this interview, I told you that yes as soon as I finished with the refinery, I am going to try and buy Arsenal.
“But the issue is that everything has gone up. The clubs are all doing well. Arsenal are doing extremely well now. At that time [that I wanted to buy] they were not doing very well.”
“I think I don’t have that kind of excess liquidity to go and buy a club for $4 billion and use it for promotional something.
“I would rather do something with the money. What I’ll do, I will continue to be the biggest fan of Arsenal. I watch their games everytime. I will remain a major supporter of Arsenal but I don’t think it makes sense today to buy Arsenal.
“Actually I regret not buying Arsenal before, but you know my money was more needed in completing my project than buying Arsenal. I would have bought it for $2 billion.”
Arsenal’s status-quo change
Aliko Dangote cited inflation and Arsenal’s current financial demands as significant obstacles to acquiring the club. In recent years, Arsenal has transformed from a top-four contender into a title challenger, rivaling Manchester City for the Premier League.
This weekend’s match at the Etihad Stadium reflects the intensity of the rivalry, with Erling Haaland involved in several confrontations with Arsenal players, including defender Gabriel Magalhães.
Magalhães recently issued a warning to Haaland ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium, hinting at potential retaliation when City visits North London next year.
The EPL eagerly anticipates this highly competitive title-deciding clash on February 1st, 2025.