Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has confirmed that his long-held dream of acquiring English Premier League giants Arsenal Football Club is no longer on his agenda.
Dangote, who had repeatedly declared his interest in buying the North London club once his multibillion-dollar refinery project was completed, told journalists in a recent interview that changing circumstances in the global football business have forced him to rethink.
“I think that time has passed,” Dangote admitted. “The last time we spoke, I said as soon as I finish with the refinery, I was going to try and buy Arsenal. But the issue is that everything has gone up, and clubs are doing very well. Arsenal is doing extremely well now.”
The business mogul noted that while Arsenal’s struggles in previous years made a takeover more realistic, their resurgence in recent seasons, coupled with the rising value of elite clubs, has pushed the price tag beyond his comfort zone.
“I don’t have that kind of excess liquidity to go and buy a club for $4 billion, so to speak, and use it as a promotional something. I would rather do something else with the money,” he said.
Dangote, a lifelong fan of the Gunners, has over the years hinted at plans to make a formal bid to buy the club. His statements regularly stirred excitement among Arsenal fans worldwide, many of whom saw him as a potential saviour capable of restoring the team’s fortunes.
However, with Arsenal now thriving in the Premier League and in control, Dangote acknowledged that the window of opportunity has effectively closed.
Despite stepping away from ownership ambitions, the Nigerian billionaire reaffirmed his deep love for the club. “I watch their games every day. Any time they are playing, I will watch. I will remain a major supporter of Arsenal, but I don’t think I will buy the club anymore,” he stated.
Dangote’s current focus remains firmly on consolidating his business empire, particularly the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos. The plant, which recently commenced operations, is one of the largest in the world and is expected to transform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Analysts say the refinery’s success could have far-reaching impacts on Nigeria’s economy, reducing fuel imports and boosting exports. For Dangote, the refinery and his numerous ventures in cement, sugar, and fertiliser production remain higher priorities than football ownership.
Though the Arsenal dream is now off the table, Dangote made clear that his passion for the Gunners is undiminished.
“I will continue to be the biggest fan of Arsenal. That will never change,” he added.
