Gazidis to feel heat of Usmanov’s blast
ARSENAL chief executive Ivan Gazidis is facing a grilling from disgruntled fans tonight after Alisher Usmanov, the club’s second largest shareholder, turned up the heat on the board.
Gazidis (below right), who is hosting a question and answer session with the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust, was already set for a mixed reception amid increasing criticism from Gunners fans unhappy at the club’s lack of success.
But his evening is likely to be even more uncomfortable after Usmanov, who has been frozen out of the board despite owning almost 30 per cent, blamed the trophy drought on the current regime.
The Russian metals billionaire accused directors of tolerating a culture of failure and refusing to inject funds into the club, while raising ticket prices and planning to sell up.
“If the role of a board member is to oversee a trophyless period, while making significant personal profits and asking fans to pay inflation-busting ticket price increases then, no, I would not want to be on the board,” said Usmanov.
“If instead it is to try to deliver sustained success, to increase your personal investment in the club, to help develop the commercial position and to ensure the fans have a say in the running of the club then, yes, I think I certainly have something to contribute.”
Arsenal’s spending power has been diluted by debt repayments relating to the move to Emirates Stadium, and Usmanov believes the board should have dipped into their own pockets to compensate.
He added: “For too long they have seemed happy to sanction second, third and fourth as being acceptable, whilst at the same time they are planning to sell their shares.”
Usmanov’s outbburst comes amid uncertainty over the futures of stars Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
American sports mogul Stan Kroenke owns 67 per cent of the north London club after launching a full takeover in April, although Usmanov continues to increase his holding.
Nasri has Arsenal future, says Wenger
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has vowed to do “everything we can” to keep midfielder Samir Nasri, amid uncertainty over his future.
Nasri’s wage demands are thought to have prevented agreement being reached over a new contract, with just 12 months left on his current deal.
The Gunners may decide to sell the France midfielder rather than let him run down his contract and leave for free next year.
Manchester United, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are thought to be interested in the 23-year-old.
But Wenger added: “He still has a way to go with us. It’s great clubs who make great players, not the opposite.”