Dr Dan Plumley

Tue 22 March 2022 9:36, UK

Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is rarely in London – so it is unlikely Uefa are moving into the city in order to keep an eye on him.

That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Uefa’s plans to open a new office in London.

The Daily Mail reported on 13 March that the governing body is set to establish a base in the capital in April.

Uefa’s presence in the city is claimed to be a ploy to mothball any plans to revive the Super League, which Arsenal backed and abandoned last year.

But European champions Italy will play Copa America victors Argentina at Wembley in a match dubbed ‘Finalisima’ in June.

And Plumley argues that this joint Uefa-Conmebol venture is a more likely explanation for Uefa’s presence in London.

“This is an interesting one,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams,

“I think this might also might be to do with the joint venture between Uefa and Conmebol.

“There is the Finalisima coming up and that could have something to do with it.

“There are a lot benefits to having an office in London. It’s a big European city with global reach.

“But if you’re looking to get closer to the English clubs, a lot of their owners don’t spend that much time in this country, especially the American ones.

“Stan Kroenke famously has been missing from the Emirates for quite a while. So, I think there’s more at play here.”

Stan Kroenke has taken a backseat at Arsenal in recent years, with son Josh the current public face of the KSE regime.

The Gunners are currently 4th in the Premier League.

In other news, ex-Premier League referee claims Arsenal can expect FA charge after controversial Alexandre Lacazette footage analysed.