Arsenal: African Billionaire Aliko Dangote Renews Dream of Club Takeover
Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has once again expressed his desire to purchase Arsenal FC, reaffirming a long-held dream to take ownership of the Premier League giant.
Speaking to Bloomberg Business, Dangote—a lifelong Arsenal fan—admitted that while a previous attempt in 2010 was unsuccessful, his ambitions remain alive:
“I still hope to buy the team one day. I could buy it, but not at a ridiculous price—a price the current owners couldn’t resist.”
At the time of his initial approach, he aimed only for a minority stake. However, since then, his fortune has increased sevenfold, giving him far greater financial leverage.
Dangote in Numbers:
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Net worth (2024 Forbes estimate): Over $25 billion
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Major industry: Cement (Dangote Cement is Africa’s largest)
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Investments planned: $16 billion across the continent in the coming years
Despite his growing fortune, Dangote remains focused on completing several major business projects before making another move on Arsenal:
“For now, I want to take my business to a certain level. Once I’ve finished that, then maybe I’ll try my luck for Arsenal again.”
Current Ownership:
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Majority shareholder: Stan Kroenke (American billionaire)
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Stake: 67%
Kroenke’s ownership—criticized by many Arsenal fans for being profit-driven—has long drawn scrutiny. Dangote’s interest offers hope to supporters who desire a more passionate, football-focused owner.
While there’s no formal offer on the table, Dangote’s persistence and financial clout suggest that his dream of owning Arsenal is far from over—perhaps a matter of when, not if.
