Manager Mikel Arteta is hoping that Arsenal can park speculation concerning the future of the club's ownership after it was confirmed that Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek had seen a bid to buy the club turned down.
After making it public that he was interested in launching an attempt to try and buy-out Stan Kroenke, Ek has received the backing from a handful of Gunners legends.
That includes Dennis Bergkamp, who said yesterday that Ek has seen a second bid knocked back.
Unfortunately for him, the bid was rejected by the Kroenke family, meaning the Swede will have to increase his offer if he is to stand any chance of becoming owner of one of world football's most famous clubs.
In a statement released last week via Twitter, Ek said: "Inaccurate reports emerged today saying I have not made a bid for Arsenal Football Club. I think it's important to correct the record - this week an offer was made to both Josh Kroenke and their bankers that included fan ownership, representation at board and a golden share for the supporter.
"They replied that they don’t need the money.
"I remain interested should that situation ever change."
Although Ek's opening offer was turned down, speculation regarding the ownership of the Gunners remains a hot topic.
For Arteta, however, all of the off-field speculation is bound to have an impact on him and his players, as they continue to try and fight for a place in next season's UEFA Europa Conference League.
With Ek's offer having been turned down, Arteta wants to put talk of a takeover to one side, insisting "unity and togetherness" is what is required to take the Gunners back to where they belong.
"I really hope so because I think we’ve been very clear on where the owners are standing," Arteta said during his pre-match press conference on Friday morning when asked if he hoped the club can focus on what is required to make progress.
"I think I’ve been clear to give my view on the situation.
"And just for the benefit of the club, which I think is the only interest that everybody who supports the club should be aiming for, is to get the unity and the togetherness that we need to be back where we want. That’s all."
As well as addressing the current speculation regarding a possible takeover, Arteta also challenged his players to "bring some joy" to the supporters, with ten per cent of the Emirates Stadium expected to be filled on Sunday afternoon for their Premier League finale against Brighton & Hove Albion.
"They haven’t been at the stadium for a long time," added Arteta. "We haven’t been able to be together.
"So hopefully there will be a positive atmosphere and they can support the team and the team can bring them some joy and try to win the game.
