Umanov has 25% but has been told not to go for 29.9%
The Russian economy is suffering severely.
They depend on commodities.
The oil price was $140 a barrel
Now it’s $40.
Analysts say the oil price will average £ $35 during 2009 as the global recession hits every country and almost every industry.
The rouble recently fell to its lowest level against the dollar for 11 years.
Against that background, Alisher Usmanov will not be buying a football club this year.
His bosses are Putin and the big politicians in Moscow. The oligarchs are under orders these days. they do what they are told to do.
The goalposts have moved for Red & White, just as they have for everyone else. When hundreds of thousands of Russians are losing their jobs and demonstrating in every major city, the oligarchs cannot be seen to be spending silly money on English football clubs.
Having said that, the wording of their statement is intriguing.
“We are pleased to have now secured over a quarter of the shares of Arsenal. We are committed long-term investors and supporters of the Club and are comfortable that we are now in a protected position. We also welcome the strengthening of the squad and look forward to a successful conclusion to the season.”
Does it mean : We are glad Arshavin signed, as the Arsenal team needs experienced players?
Does it mean : We would welcome a further strengthening of the squad?
Successful conclusion to the season?
What’s a successful conclusion to the season?
A trophy?
A final?
Fourth place?
An unbeaten run?
In the meantime, watch this space. Gazidis’s job gets more interesting every week.The lockdown agreement ends in April. We don’t know what will happen to Lady Nina’s 15.9%. I was sure Stan Kroenke would not buy the club before Usmanov got 25%. I’m even more sure now.
It’s still Danny’s call, I think. If he wanted to, Danny Fiszman could sell the football club and keep the property. But he wouldn’t do that.