Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he aims to replace Arsene Wenger with a combination of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry at Arsenal.
Dangote, who made no secret of his desire to make an offer for Arsenal, is confident that he will be able to make an offer that cannot be refused to major shareholders, which includes current owner, Stan Kroenke, and other multi-billionaire shareholder, Alisher Usmanov.
Nigerian Allko Dangote’s net, according to Forbes, is $21.6 billion and was heavily linked with an offer for the Gunners at the start of the month.
The businessman, who has made his money through a variety of avenues including sugar, flour and oil, is plotting to sack Wenger should he tempt shareholders into selling.
According to the Metro, Dangote wants former club legend Patrick Vieira to take over from his fellow countryman should he take acquire a controlling interest in the FA Cup finalists, a move that could please some Arsenal fans.
Supporters of the club are split on Wenger, with some pleading for the Frenchman to step down to allow a younger manager a fresh challenge.
Vieira was highly regarded as one of the club’s greatest ever midfielders, and the World Cup winner is currently in charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad
Dangote said: “‘Wenger needs to change his style a bit. They need a new direction,’ he said. ‘I still hope I will buy the team. I might buy it, not at a ridiculous price but a price that the owners won’t want to resist. I know my strategy.”
A close source hinted that the Nigerian billionaire aims to appoint Patrick Vieira as manager with Thierry Henry alongside him should he become successful in a takeover bid.
“The plan would be to get Patrick and Thierry on the coaching staff for a period before giving them the reins and with Arsene taking a place on the board and eventually becoming chairman,” the source suggested.
Thierry Henry is also being lined up as Vieira’s replacement should the Nigerian buy the club.
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