Spotify founder Daniel Ek says he is ready for “a long journey” after stating he is “very serious” about buying Arsenal.
The Swedish billionaire has joined forces with Arsenal legends Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry as he prepares to make a formal offer.
Arsenal owners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, insist the club is not for sale and confirmed that position via a statement on Tuesday night.
Ek, however, has not been put off by that and confirmed on Wednesday afternoon he is ready for a long journey.
“I’ve been an Arsenal fan since I was eight years old. Arsenal is my team. I love the history. I love the players. And of course, I love the fans,” he told CNBC.
“So as I look at that, I just see a tremendous opportunity to set a real vision for the club to bring it back to its glory. And I want to establish trust with fans and I want to engage the fans again.
“So, to answer your question, I’m very serious. You know, I have secured the funds for it, and I want to bring what I think is a very compelling offer to the owners and I hope they hear me out.
“I’ve been a fan for 30 years of this club. I certainly didn’t expect that this would happen overnight and I am prepared that this could be a long journey.
“All I can do is prepare what I think is a very thoughtful offer, bring it to them and hope they hear me out.
“I just focus on the club, I focus on the fans and I focus on trying to bring the club back to glory. As you said, I’m first and foremost a fan.
That’s the most important thing for me and I want the club to do better, that is my primary interest.”