Former Arsenal chairman warns board to sell up to Usmanov or be left behind

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Uzbekistani billionaire currently owns a quarter of the club's shares but would like to launch a full takeover through his company Red and White Holdings - which is fronted by Dein, the former Gunners chairman who has a frosty relationship with the board at Emirates Stadium.

Making a point: David Dein

The north Londoners' financial clout has been called into question this summer following the departure of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan - with wages allegedly a major factor in his exit - while key players Alexander Hleb and Emmanuel Adebayor also look odds-on to leave.

Dein claims the recent upheaval could be a sign of things to come unless the Gunners board entertain a takeover from a super-rich investor, and insists it is the only way manager Arsene Wenger can be given the opportunity to succeed.

'Luckily, they have Arsene but you have to give the man a chance,' Dein said. 'I don't want to see Arsenal as the second or even third team in London.

'I can see the way the game is going. The wealthier are going to get wealthier and more successful. It is getting polarised.'

Of Usmanov, he added: 'He would change the whole dynamic of the club. At Arsenal, something has to break.'