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Mikel Arteta responds to Arsenal takeover talk

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that club owner Stan Kroenke is "really committed" to makin...



Mikel Arteta responds to Arsen...
Soccer

Mikel Arteta responds to Arsenal takeover talk

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that club owner Stan Kroenke is "really committed" to making the Gunners a success on the pitch.

The Kroenke ownership is under increasing pressure after the fallout from the club's failed effort to join the European Super League.

Thousands of Arsenal fans gathered outside the Emirates to protest last Friday ahead of Arsenal's Premier League game with Everton.

Banners calling for Kroenke to sell the club were on show and the American businessman released a statement on Tuesday night to reiterate that he is "100 percent committed" to club.

It came off the back of Spotify founder Daniel Ek expressing an interest in buying out Kroenke at the Emirates with a bid that would also include Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.

Arsenal are back in action on Thursday night when they face Villarreal in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

"I cannot control the speculation and what is going on," Arteta said is his pre-match press conference.

"What I like to know and talk about is the reality.

"We have owners that are really committed and want a successful team on the pitch, and will do everything they can to achieve that.

"When they said what they said last night, and show the commitment and desire to take the team where we all want I think it's clear."

Arteta has also spoken to the owners about the future of the club.

"Yes, we spoke to them and I think it was very clear," he said.

"They showed their commitment to the football club and they showed their ambition for the football club because we all want a successful team on the pitch.

"I think it was very clear and it took any doubt out of the situation I think.

"Our fans raised their voices during the match against Everton but now we have a very clear statement from the owners.

"So, I think that is gone when they say what they said last night and show the commitment and desire to take the team where we all want."

Thursday night will also see Arteta go up against the man he replaced, Unai Emery.

"I spoke with him before I took the Arsenal job," Arteta added.

"He was really helpful, very experienced and successful manager.

"I think there is no doubt that he's got the tools and knowledge to manage at the top level."

Arsenal could have Kieran Tierney, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all available for the clash but it's not clear if they will be fit enough to start.

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Arsenal Europa League Mikel Arteta Stan Kroenke Villarreal