Arsenal FC, HRH the Queen's "preferred" football club, is believed to be embroiled in a new takeover battle with the news that the club's fourth biggest shareholder has put her share's up for sale.
Lady Nina Bracewell Smith, is reported by the FT to have retained the services of Blackstone the private equity firm, to find a buyer for her 15.9 per cent share, which could spark up a renewed battle between Stan Kroneke the US sports franchise owner, and the Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov over who will have overall control of Arsenal FC.
Currently Kroenke Sports Enterprises controls 29.9 per cent in Arsenal, with Red & White Holdings, Usmanov's vehicle holding 26 per cent of the club. With the 15.9 per cent held by Lady Bracewell Smith, either parties would go over the 29.9 per cent, which under the stock market would mean a formal takeover bid for the club could take place.
The 15.9 per cent shares held by Lady Nina Bracewell Smith is being valued up to £80 million, valuing Arsenal at £500 million, with rumours that Kroenke is about to sell 40 per cent stake in the St Louis Rams an NFL team, raising £195 million which would provide the funds for control of Arsenal.
Meanwhile north London football fans are gearing up to a north London derby which sees Spurs and Arsenal battle on Wednesday having played 16 draws in the Premier League era, more than any other fixture in the competition.
Spurs have won none of their last 20 Premier League matches with Arsenal since winning 2-1 at White Hart Lane in 1999.
This run of 20 games without a win against Arsenal is currently the longest run of its kind in the Premier League.
Spurs were also dumped out of the FA Cup by relegated Portsmouth, and Champions League football is looking increasingly unlikely this season, with the fourth spot cemented now by Manchester City.
