The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust have revealed that they held a “constructive meeting” with Daniel Ek and the three Gunners legends part of a consortium looking to buy the club.
Thierry Henry publicly confirmed for the first time on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football show that he - along with Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp - are involved in Spotify founder Ek's proposed takeover of Arsenal, admitting that "it's going to take a very long time" but insists Ek wants to "inject Arsenal DNA" back into the club.
Sources involved in the proposed takeover told football.london last week that the approach is ‘serious’, explaining that Ek ‘sees himself as the solution to the problem’ at Emirates Stadium right now.
The AST has welcomed record numbers of new members since leading the stance against Arsenal being part of the European Super League.
And Henry went into further detail on Monday night, describing Ek's takeover plans and referencing a meeting he had with the AST after the news was confirmed.
What Thierry Henry said...
"When we knew first and foremost that he wanted to involve the fans, exactly what we talked about, we actually met the Arsenal Supporters' Trust and told them what we wanted to do - bring them back on board, being part of the meetings, knowing what's happening, because you've got to put the DNA back into the club. The golden share that I'm talking about.
"Daniel is an honest man, transparent. Fans want to know what might happen at their club. We had a discussion with the Arsenal Supporters' Trust and he was very open with them and he wants to be open."
What do the Arsenal Supporters' Trust want?
Fans to be given a greater role in the ownership and governance of the club.
Opportunity for supporters to own an equity stake in their club.
Fans should also have a greater say in how their club is run.
Fans having some form of voting rights, or “golden share”, that covers key custodian subjects such as the club entering new competitions and playing all home games in Islington.
What did the AST say?
"The AST welcomed a recent approach from Daniel Ek and his consortium partners Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira, and that they said meeting us was a priority for them. A constructive meeting was held and we were encouraged to hear their commitment to making the role of fans central to their proposals. This is very welcome and we look forward to further dialogue.
"We will engage with anyone who has a serious proposal as it is important any current or future owner is aware of the importance of working with fans. We also continue to seek a constructive and meaningful dialogue with Stan and Josh Kroenke.
"Our message to all of them is simple: Football needs to change. Arsenal needs to change
"The major change that must take place is for fans to be given a greater role in the ownership and governance of the club."
What next?
A fan-led review of football ownership will be chaired by Tracey Crouch MP, that will examine different ownership models and potential regulation against owners who fail to comply.
football.london understands that Ek has already attempted to make contact with KSE but has not received any response.
The current Arsenal ownership remain firm in their stance not to sell the club, but Swedish billionaire Ek has assured those close to him that he is "prepared" for a long battle ahead.
"I want to establish trust with fans and I want to engage with fans again," Ek told CNBC.
"I’m very serious. You know, I have secured the funds for it, and I want to bring what I think is a very compelling offer to the owners and I hope they hear me out.
“I’ve been a fan for 30 years of this club. I certainly didn’t expect that this would happen overnight and I am prepared that this could be a long journey.
