Arsenal's managing director Keith Edelmen believes the
London club are able to compete with any team in the world and
insists the board are under no pressure to accept outside
investment.
After Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov increased his
shareholding in the club this week, speculation mounted about a
formal takeover.
However Edelmen insists there are no plans for more outside
investment. "We do not believe that outside investment is necessary
for the long-term good of the club," he told Arsenal's official
website.
"The stadium has been in operation for over a year now and on the
financial front, we can compete with any club in the world.
"We are in great shape, as will be seen when we report our results
next Monday."
On the
pitch
Edelman also insists that as much as the financial side of the club
is important, everyone at Arsenal is excited about the prospect of
winning trophies.
"At the end of the day, we are a football club that wants to win
silverware.
"There is no better feeling than triumphing on the pitch. That is
what gives us all the greatest of pleasure.
"We believe that Arsene signing an extension to his contract
reinforces our determination to challenge for top honours."