Dr Dan Plumley

Mon 21 March 2022 14:06, UK

Stan Kroenke will only sell Arsenal when there is major profit to be made – perhaps if they book a place in the post-2024 Champions League.

That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the American billionaire’s “exit strategy”.

Kroenke reiterated his commitment to the Gunners last year after Spotify supremo Daniel Ek’s campaign to force a takeover.

Spotify have now struck a stadium naming rights and shirt sponsorship deal with Barcelona, as revealed by the club last Tuesday (15 March).

The Guardian reported later that the historic partnership with the Catalan giants is worth £235million over its life span.

Plumley suggests that Ek’s involvement with another European big hitter indicates that he has given up any hope of changing Kroenke’s mind.

Only revenue-boosting events like the expanded Champions League could alter the 74-year-old’s stance, claims the Sheffield Hallam University expert.

“I think this is the end of it,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.

“I was never convinced it was a certified deal that was on the table in any case.

“It was after the Super League backlash, so I think that was involved in drumming up a storm around it.

“I’ve never been that convinced that Kroenke wants out anyway yet. Look at what he has done with the Rams.

“The value of that outfit has outstripped Arsenal in recent years, but Arsenal have also shown some good growth in value since he purchased them.

“If he is looking for an exit strategy, that will probably depend on getting back into the Champions League.

“When that revamp comes around in 2024, that’s when you really want to be at the party.”

Kroenke’s Los Angeles Rams won the NFL Super Bowl for only the second time in their history in February.

He has been formally involved with Arsenal since 2007.

In other news, pundit suggests Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette to agree “massive” deal with new club.