Kroenke forging tighter links with Arsenal

The Colorado Rapids, the Major League Soccer team owned by Kroenke, have had an unofficial commercial tie-up with the Londoners since earlier this year but it is understood that the two parties will now sign a deal.

Kroenke spent yesterday afternoon being shown around Emirates Stadium by Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman.

It was the sport tycoon's first extensive visit to the club - it is understood that Kroenke coincided it with a series of business meetings around Europe - and he will return to the capital later this month for the NFL game between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins at Wembley on 28 October.

There are no plans for the American to attend the Arsenal AGM on 18 October.

Although the development is not an indication that Kroenke is aligning himself with the regime to keep out Russian tycoon Alisher Usmanov, it suggests that he is becoming an increasingly welcome figure in the Arsenal boardroom. The Emirates club are looking to tap further into the international market by developing their brand in America as well as increasing their presence in the lucrative Far East.

Edelman flew out to China last week to seal a deal to set up a Chinese version of Arsenal's website.

The alliance with Kroenke will allow the two parties to exchange marketing and business ideas and for an annual tournament to be held in Denver.

The reclusive American mogul has not increased his shareholding in Arsenal from the 12.19 per cent that he acquired in April and his intentions have never been made public but it is believed that he retains a long-term interest in retaining his stake.

The latest development will quell fears in the Arsenal boardroom that he could sell up to Usmanov. If he did so it would trigger a mandatory takeover from the Russian, who owns a 23 per cent stake in the club.