Dennis Bergkamp reveals Daniel Ek reached out TWICE to Josh Kroenke since having initial bid rejected as Spotify founder continues push to buy Arsenal… and he claims his consortium, including Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, are ‘here to stay’
- Spotify founder Daniel Ek is attempting to buy Arsenal from owner Stan Kroenke
- Ek revealed last week that he made an official approach to purchase the club
- Arsenal denied on Saturday that a takeover bid was made but Ek said otherwise
- Dennis Bergkamp, sought out by Ek, insists the Spotify guru ‘is not a quitter’
Dennis Bergkamp insists Daniel Ek and Arsenal’s Invincibles have not given up on buying the club, revealing the Swedish billionaire has followed up his first bid with two further attempts to discuss a takeover.
Spotify CEO Ek announced his interest in Arsenal on Twitter last month, and went on to make a £1.8billion offer.
Following suggestions there would be greater transparency from Arsenal owners KSE after the collapse of the European Super League, Ek revealed he had made an offer to director Josh Kroenke.
Spotify founder Daniel Ek has made two further approaches to buy Arsenal since a failed bid
Dennis Bergkamp detailed how Ek approached Josh Kroenke (left) twice following the reported failed bid, an offer that Arsenal insisted on Saturday evening has never arrived
Bergkamp (left) opened up on Ek’s attempts since he is said to have made a bid. The Dutchman, along with Thierry Henry (right, in 2003) and Patrick Vieira are involved
Boyhood Arsenal fan Ek revealed his approach was rebuffed but is braced for a drawn-out battle to prise the club from KSE, who maintain it is not for sale.
Bergkamp, who is supporting Ek’s bid along with club greats Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, said: ‘We can’t force anyone to sell. But I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke and his bankers.
‘Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other in the interests of the club.
‘Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we football boys. We are here to stay.’
Billionaire Ek revealed he was told by Arsenal’s owners that they ‘didn’t need the money’
Fans have voiced their discontent at Kroenke’s ownership and are rallying behind Ek’s bid
Arsenal are ninth in the Premier League table and host Brighton on Sunday in their final game of the season.
The Gunners face their first campaign without European football since 1995-96 if results do not go their way.
Bergkamp told Voetbal International Ek does not just see Arsenal as a ‘nice toy’, adding: ‘I sense resignation about the current situation. As if, given the financial situation, it is normal for Arsenal to end in the middle bracket. Arsenal’s DNA must be restored.
The Spotify owner is using the help of some Gunners legends to try and seal a takeover deal
‘As players, we contributed to the transition from “boring Arsenal” to a squad called the Invincibles. The quality, mindset and passion of that time must once again become the norm.
‘You have to start at the top. Hence, an acquisition is crucial. So that Arsenal can continue with an owner who understands that a football club should not be run like a company.
‘Structural changes must take place. This is a far-reaching, long-term project.
‘We really hope that we can talk to the owners in a good way. We don’t want to harm anyone, it’s not about us personally.
‘This revolves around our views on an improved Arsenal.’
Henry has thrown his weight behind Ek’s bid to take over at his old club Arsenal this summer
