Kroenke and Arsenal - Arsene’s Role in All of This

By: Clint | April 19th, 2007

Here’s an interesting article from RTE (I loves me some Irish reporting!) - could we be looking at a Dein-Kroenke pairing? If that is a leap, allow me to talk more insanity by linking Dein’s friendship with Wenger to the possibility of Arsene eventually looking for a new challenge a’la Beckham and coming to America as the coach of… the Rapids! By “a new challenge” we already know that means “how will I possibly spend all the money these Americans are shoveling down my throat?”.

Arsene Wenger has expressed his concerns to Arsenal directors about the future of the club after David Dein’s enforced departure.

The Gunners manager attended an Arsenal board meeting this afternoon, where he is understood to have grilled the directors on their plans and the reasons behind Dein’s exit.

Dein, who was vice-chairman, has been Wenger’s closest friend and ally in English football for 17 years - the last 11 of which he has been manager - and the power struggle at Arsenal raises big question marks over the Frenchman’s plans when his contract runs out in May next year.

It is likely that Wenger will see what develops before making any decision because Dein is thought to be considering a joint takeover bid with American billionaire Stan Kroenke.

The involvement of Kroenke was the reason behind Dein’s split with the rest of the Arsenal board - he was in favour of the Colorado Rapids owner taking on a major role at the club, while the other directors were against such a move.

Friends of Dein say he is taking time to consider his next move - he still owns 14% of the club - but the natural step would be to team up with Kroenke, who has an 11% shareholding.