Fiszman stands firm: I won't sell stake in Arsenal

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With speculation mounting that billionaire businessman Stan Kroenke is set to launch a takeover bid at Emirates stadium, Fiszman issued a statement committing himself to hanging on to his 24.1 per cent share.

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The wealthy diamond dealer joined his fellow board members in April in entering into an agreement not to dispose of their shares for at least a year.

And in a statement issued today on Arsenal.com, he said: "I have no intention of selling my shares in Arsenal for the foreseeable future.

"There are exciting times ahead with the team showing so much promise, we are energised by what the future holds.

"I hope now that my position is absolutely clear."

He added: "Over the past few months there has been much ill-informed speculation about my shareholding in Arsenal. I publicly stated my position back in April.

"I have been a member of the board for 15 years now.

"The club has experienced many successes both on and off the pitch in that time and being part of the Arsenal family is something that is not only in my mind but also in my heart.

"I, together with the rest of the board take great pride in the fact that Emirates Stadium is our home and great pleasure in the exciting, entertaining football that the team plays.

"The board is a strong unit; we are the custodians of this club."

Fiszman's display of unity comes just 24 hours after the Gunners managing director Keith Edelman warned fans any overseas investor will attempt to take more money out of the club than they put in.

Kroenke, who currently owns just over 12% of the club's parent company, is thought to be keen to increase his financial involvement.

He could yet face competition from - or join forces with - Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who has links to ousted Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein and who has refused to rule out the possibility of a takeover.

In April, Fiszman warned Kroenke any hostile approach would fail because the board and their "friends" own enough capital to fight it off.