I understand Wenger has made it plain to the Gunners board he
will not work under Usmanov and would move to Real Madrid
instead.
And that is one of the reasons behind Stan Kroenke's stealthy
takeover at the Emirates. The American billionaire has taken his
stake in the club to just less than the 30 per cent needed to spark
a takeover bid, leaving Usmanov puzzled at his motives.
However, senior Arsenal sources believe Kroenke's attempt to
push Usmanov out of the picture is to help protect Wenger's
position.
The Gunners boss has no interest in the lavish promises Usmanov
has made in an attempt to win his battle for power. The Russian has
said that if his Red and White group seizes control of the club he
would inject over £100 million to strengthen the Arsenal squad.
After Arsenal were knocked out of last season's Champions League
by Manchester United, Usmanov went public - insisting Wenger should
buy big.
But the Arsenal boss remains convinced his policy of developing
a new team based on nurturing young players rather than importing
expensive superstars is the way ahead.
An Arsenal insider said: "If somehow Usmanov managed to take
control then Arsene, who is otherwise utterly loyal to the club,
would quit.
"He doesn't want any owner interfering with the way he is
developing the team. He has long been resistant to bringing big
money signings in.
"He has a plan and everyone is seeing it come to fruition.
That's not to say along the way he won't bring in some players but
he will only do so on his terms. Arsene has made the board very
aware of that and that he couldn't work with an owner who insists
on spending big money on new players.
"As it stands Arsene is happy working with Kroenke on the board
because he has shown no interest in interfering. The same can't be
said for Usmanov."
Last summer Wenger turned down a firm offer from Madrid to move
to Spain.
It was not the first time Madrid had come calling but Wenger
remains adamant he won't break his contract.