Arsenal supporters have outlined their opposition to any takeover this season, regardless of whether it is by Stan Kroenke or Alisher Usmanov.
Both billionaire investors have been quiet throughout the summer, with the next major development in the ongoing ownership battle likely to occur if and when Lady Bracewell-Smith — the fourth largest shareholder – finds a buyer for her 15.9 per cent stake.
However, although a Kroenke takeover has been regarded as inevitable, there is little enthusiasm for change among fans. Results of the annual membership survey from the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust showed that only 13 per cent of fans want Kroenke to launch a takeover, while that figure falls to just four per cent for Usmanov.
Despite Arsenal’s inability to compete with the wages and transfer fees that have been paid by Chelsea and Manchester City, the supporters have overwhelmingly urged the board to retain the model of plural ownership and financial self-sustainability.
There is also disappointment at Kroenke’s refusal to outline his intentions for Arsenal, with 93 per cent of fans agreeing that significant investors should provide more information about their aims and objectives.
As for the team’s performance, despite the failure to win a trophy since 2005, 60 per cent of fans are satisfied with recent results while 75 per cent say they are optimistic for the future.
However, some 53 per cent agreed that Arsène Wenger’s football philosophy took too much precedence over the objective of winning trophies.
Supporters also transmitted disappointment at the weakened team selected for the FA Cup last season, with only three per cent agreeing that this should be adopted as a general policy.
