Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he once came close to buying English Premier League giants Arsenal FC, but circumstances forced him to put the dream on hold.
Speaking in New York during an interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua, the Nigerian billionaire admitted that his long-time ambition to own the London club slipped away while he was focused on completing one of his most ambitious business projects the Dangote Refinery.
Dangote, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, explained that he had considered making a move when the club’s valuation was about $2 billion. But the refinery, which required huge capital investment, demanded his full attention and resources.
“I regret not buying it earlier. At that time, my money was more needed in finishing my project than in football. It was either I build the refinery or buy Arsenal and I chose the refinery,” he said.
Now, with Arsenal’s market value having doubled to more than $3.4 billion, the billionaire concedes that the opportunity may be gone for good.
Although he doubts whether a takeover would still make business sense today, Dangote insists he remains one of the club’s most loyal fans, never missing a match and continuing to back the Gunners from the sidelines.
