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Spotify founder Ek doubles down on talk of Arsenal buyout

Daniel Ek - the co-founder of Spotify - has reaffirmed his wish to buy Stan Kroenke out of Arsena...
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

15.18 28 Apr 2021


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Spotify founder Ek doubles dow...

Spotify founder Ek doubles down on talk of Arsenal buyout

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

15.18 28 Apr 2021


Share this article


Daniel Ek - the co-founder of Spotify - has reaffirmed his wish to buy Stan Kroenke out of Arsenal. 

At the weekend, the 38-year old Swede pounced on fan disquiet at Kroenke's reign, tweeting to say, "As a kid growing up, I've cheered for Arsenal as long as I can remember. If KSE would like to sell Arsenal I'd be happy to throw my hat in the ring."

It's reported he's lined up club legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira as supporters of his bid.

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Despite seeing an effigy of himself hanged outside the Emirates during Friday's fan protests, Kroenke is unwilling to loosen his grip on the North London club.

He released a statement on Tuesday, saying, "In recent days we have noted media speculation regarding a potential takeover bid for Arsenal Football Club.

"We remain 100% committed to Arsenal and are not selling any stake in the Club.

"We have not received any offer and we will not entertain any offer.

"Our ambition for Arsenal remains to compete to win the biggest trophies in the game and our focus remains on improving our competitiveness on the pitch to achieve this."

While Ek has not made a formal approach, he continues to keep his interest in a purchase public.

He told CNBC on Wednesday, "I’m very serious.

"I have secured the funds for it and I want to bring a very compelling offer to the owners and I hope they hear me out.

He added, “I certainly didn’t expect this will happen overnight and I prepared for this to be a long journey.”

Ek's personal fortune is believed to be in the region of  €4billion, made via the streaming giant.

Building that fortune has not come without controversy, with the vast majority of artists on the platform making a pittance from streaming.

It's believed it takes an average of 300 streams for a song to raise €1 for an artist.

In tandem with that, Spotify signed a $100million deal with Joe Rogan in 2020 to be the exclusive home of his podcast. Earlier in the week, the former host of Fear Factor wrongfully told listeners that young people don't need a COVID-19 vaccine.

"I just see a tremendous opportunity to set a real vision for the club," Ek told CNBC, "to bring it back to its glory.

"I want to establish trust with fans, and I want to engage the fans again."

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