Russia’s eighth-richest man recently agreed to sell his Arsenal shares to Stan Kroenke
Alisher Usmanov says he ‘would consider’ investing in Everton after the sale of his Arsenal shares.
Usmanov, Russia’s eighth-richest man, could take his cash to a Premier League rival after agreeing to sell his 30 per cent stake in Arsenal to Stan Kroenke.
The billionaire’s USM Holdings already sponsor Everton’s training ground, Finch Farm, and he is a friend and business partner of the club’s major shareholder Farhad Moshiri.
He told Bloomberg: “Should there be a proposal or a possibility to invest in them with good potential returns, I would consider the deal.
“We are friends with Farhad Moshiri. If he needs the support, I am happy to help.”
Usmanov, who bought his stake in Arsenal in 2007 from David Dein, has been left frustrated over his lack of influence as the second-largest shareholder.
Nonetheless, the club has quadrupled in profit since his investment.
“When I bought the stake in Arsenal I believed that football brands would be able to generate profit,” he said. “This is happening now.”
Usmanov’s Arsenal shares are valued at around £550m.
Kroenke plans to make a compulsory buyout offer for all remaining Arsenal shares once he has 90 per cent of the stock.
