Usmanov ups his stake

Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov has increased his shareholding in Arsenal after his investment company Red and White Holdings Limited raised their stake in the club to 21 percent. The move makes Usmanov the 2nd highest shareholder behind Daniel Fiszman who has 24 percent.

Usmanov, who formed the company alongside fellow investor Farhad Moshiri specifically to hold equity in the north London club, first bought into Arsenal when he paid former vice-chairman David Dein around £75million for his 14.65 percent holding in August.

Fiszman, who is seen as the key to any takeover bid, has also given assurances to the Arsenal Supporters' Trust that he has no intention of selling anymore of his shares.