Arsenal have held a 'constructive meeting' with Farhad
Moshiri of Red and White Holdings Limited, who on Friday increased
their stake in the club.
London-based Moshiri joint-owns the investment company alongside
Russian Alisher Usmanov, and he has been in talks with Arsenal's
existing board.
On Friday Red and White Holdings increased their stake in the club
to 23 per cent, in a move that consolidates their position as the
second-largest shareholder behind director Danny Fiszman.
Arsenal's board have made no secret of their intent to fend off any
potential takeover, of the belief that they are and will continue
to be a successful club, without becoming another Premier League
outfit bought out by foreign money.
Takeover
talk
The existing board members are currently in a 12-month 'lockdown'
agreement, which effectively means they will not sell-up any time
soon.
Arsenal have confirmed that a meeting between Peter Hill-Wood,
Keith Edelman and Moshiri took place on Friday.
A statement read: "The board of Arsenal Holdings wish to confirm
that a constructive meeting took place between Peter Hill-Wood,
Keith Edelman and Farhad Moshiri of Red and White Holdings
Limited.
"Board members of Arsenal Football Club wish to reiterate their
intention of retaining their shareholding in the club and have no
intention of selling any shares.
"The board believe that the continued success of the club can best
be achieved by the company remaining independent."