Stan Kroenke has reportedly offered Alisher Usmanov £545m to take over the Russian’s 30.4% stake in Arsenal.

Kroenke already owns 67% of Arsenal and is the Gunners’ majority shareholder. If Usmanov was to accept his alleged offer of £545m (£28k-per-share) for his 30.4% of the club, it would mean the American sports club owner would hold a 97% stake.

The concern among Arsenal fans is that if the 70-year-old, who also owns the NHL’s Colorado Rapids and NFL’s LA Rams, gains ownership of that much of the club, he then has the power to push out the remaining 3%, which is made up of smaller minority shareholders. The Gunners could then become a privately owned company. This means that the publication of accounts or an AGM could be removed, Arsenal would be able to be registered as a business in the US, and there would be no internal barriers.

Basically, as fans, we would have even less of a clue what’s going on behind the scenes at our club.

An Arsenal supporter-led consortium, which has been in contract with both Usmanov and Kroenke over the last year and has attempted to gain ownership three times, is understandably concerned.

“We are owned 97% by two very wealthy individuals but it is a disappointment that they have never managed to get together and see eye to eye to move the club forward,” said a spokesperson for the consortium. “The benefit of their wealth and experience could have been felt in unison but Arsenal has not been able to gain from it.”

Usmanov allegedly attempted a takeover himself in May. The Uzbek-born businessman offered Kroenke a massive £1bn, which he then reportedly increased to £2bn.

Obviously, Kroenke wasn’t having any of it.

Both shareholders seem to realise that the fact they don’t see eye-to-eye, with Usmanov not even having a seat on the board, is an issue. However, fans will understandably be concerned with Kroenke potentially owning 97% of their club.