Hitting out: Russian-based billionaire and Arsenal
shareholder Alisher Usmanov (L),sat beside Chelsea owner Roman
Abramovich, has launched an attack on the cluib
Under pressure: Usmanov's attack has turned up the heat
on majority shareholder Stan Kroenke
Arsenal are threatening to head into meltdown
after Alisher Usmanov launched an attack on the
club.
After being hit by Robin van Persie's refusal to sign a
new contract, the Gunners hierarchy have now been questioned in an
open letter from Red & White Holdings - which is fronted by
Russian billionaire Usmanov.
It turns up the heat on owner Stan Kroenke as the club
battles to stay among the Barclays Premier League's
elite.
They complain that 'we are faced with losing our true
marquee player' because we cannot 'give confidence that we can win
trophies,' asking 'where are the safeguards to ensure that this
doesn't happen again and again?'
The pair own just under 30 per cent of Arsenal through
investment company Red & White but haven't been allowed on the
board by Kroenke.
Red & White feel Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis
has given the impression there is a 'bitter stand-off' between
themselves and the hierarchy.
The letter continued: 'In our view it is clear you are
trying to distract attention from the more fundamental issues
facing the club.
Tipping point: Red & White's rant comes a day after
Robin van Persie announced he will not be signing a new
contract
'These are the financial model, the lack of
investment and club's future strategic
direction.
'At the heart of this is the policy of so-called
self-financing.
'The previous decision by the board to fund the building
of the Emirates Stadium with long-term debt was, we believe,
certainly not about self-financing.'
Red & White, who point out they have 'invested circa
£200million of cash', set out their 'vision' for
Arsenal.
The letter added: 'It is simple. A debt free club, with a
big enough war chest to buy top talent players who can hit the
ground running and who can complement the club's long tradition of
developing young players and homegrown talent.
Vision: Red & White wants Arsene Wenger to spend
money on top talent
'Together they can help the club win the most
prestigious trophies - because it is the trophies which are the
crowning achievement for everybody at the
club.'
Red & White closed their letter by wishing Kroenke
'every success', although stressing they have 'deep reservations
about the viability of the policies being pursued by his management
team and sanctioned by the board'.
The letter concluded: 'Finally and reflecting our
long-term commitment to the club, we will continue to purchase more
shares in the club from anyone who wants to sell them to
us.
'Also in order to formalise our long-term involvement with
the club and put an end to any speculation over our position, we,
as the co-owners of Red & White, will proudly retain our
holding in the club as a long-term investment for ourselves and our
family members to benefit for generations to come.
'We want the absolute best for the club and will do what
is necessary to ensure the success of the club that we all
love.'
Arsenal will take time reviewing statements in the open
letter before deciding whether to make any official
response.
New era: Olivier Giroud is one of Wenger's big signings
so far this summer
However, it is understood the Gunners board and
management team are all very committed to the current direction,
with a firm belief that the self-funding model will bring long-term
success, both on and off the pitch.
The claims by RWS follow on from the announcement by Van
Persie, in a carefully worded statement on his official website,
that he would not be extending his current deal, which runs out
next summer.
The 28-year-old netted 37 goals in all competitions as
Arsenal eventually secured third place, and manager Arsene Wenger
recently declared the club must retain their talisman 'at all
costs'.
However, despite meeting with Wenger and chief executive
Gazidis at the end of last season and the signings of Germany
striker Lukas Podolski as well as France forward Olivier Giroud,
Van Persie remains unconvinced he can fulfil his ambitions with the
club he joined as a raw talent from Feyenoord in May
2004.
Van Persie will turn 29 in August, and the next contract
he agrees could well be his last at the highest
level.
Serie A winners Juventus, Paris St Germain and Barclays
Premier League champions Manchester City are said to be ready to
test Arsenal's resolve with a £20million-plus bid.
However, the Gunners - who last summer saw both Cesc
Fabregas and Samir Nasri leave - could also look to hold Van Persie
to the terms of his deal.
