Arsenal: 5 deciding factors facing Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s takeover

Arsenal fans are starting to dream. Protesting against the Kroenke ownership outside the Emirates Stadium on Friday, Spotify billionaire Daniel Ek tweeted out that he would be interested in a takeover of the club, one that started out as a fans’ fantasy but has progressed into genuine intent.

The relationship between Arsenal supporters and the KSE ownership has never been close-knit.

Throughout American billionaire Stan Kroenke’s tenure there has been a strong disconnect between the fanbase and those at the top seat. From having held a majority share for a decade and then taking complete ownership in 2018, the decisions along the way have caused widespread disgruntlement that has since reached boiling point.

Forming part of the Premier League breakaway to join the controversial Super League was the icing on a rotten cake, one that rubber stamped the overriding consensus that the owners don’t care one iota for those whose lives are tied to the club for life.

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5 deciding factors facing Spotify’s Daniel Ek in Arsenal takeover from KSE

For years the feeling that Arsenal is not the fans’ club anymore has been evident. It truly is not.

Thus, the fast moving nature of Ek’s proposed takeover, one that has garnered the support of club legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira, has offered a glimmer of light at the end of an increasingly dark tunnel.

Ek, a lifelong Arsenal fan, backed by three ‘Invincibles’, feels almost too good to be true. Could a successful takeover then prompt greater fan engagement? A say in the boardroom? Actual care for those whom Arsenal means so much in their lives?

Whatever the outcome, the ball is in motion. Ek’s bid is in the pipeline and due to be submitted ‘within days’, leaving supporters with no fingernails left as they wait anxiously for the outcome. But it won’t be a simple transaction. There some deciding factors facing the Spotify billionaire that could derail, or kick-start, his mission.

Daniel Ek Has the Money to Buy Arsenal

This helps.

Forbes has Ek being worth £3.4bn, while Arsenal are listed at being worth £2bn. That doesn’t mean they’ll sell at that price obviously – even if the mooted £1.8bn incoming offer would fetch them a profit – but they’ll be sure to play hard ball, if any ball at all.

The Swede has enough money to lead a consortium to buy Arsenal, and would have little problem raising the funds.

Whether he opts to do so by borrowing money against his 16.75% stake in Spotify, sell a portion of his holdings or find a partner is what is interesting. As it is he is flying the flag on his own with the £1.8bn offer incoming, although if KSE continue to push for more he could potentially head down other routes, however unlikely.

Bottom line, he has the money and he means business.