Gunners chief Fiszman insists: I'll never surrender Arsenal to the Russians

Fiszman, who is still the Gunners' largest single shareholder with a 24.11 per cent holding, insists that he will stay at the club way beyond next April, the expiration date of the formal 'lock-down' agreement — a pact between the directors not to sell their shares in order to ward off a takeover threat.

The Switzerland-based tycoon says he is planning to step up his day-to-day involvement with Arsenal and has told friends that he will remain involved at Emirates Stadium for as long as manager Arsene Wenger, who last week extended his contract to 2011.

"Contrary to all the media speculation, I am not about to sell my stake," Fiszman told a recent meeting of the Arsenal Supporters' Trust, details of which are made public for the first time today.

"I have not set a selling price because I haven't thought about selling.

"Moving to Emirates Stadium was like moving into a dream home. You don't think about the value because you don't want to sell.

"The commitment have previously made not to sell my stake applies for much longer than next April.

"In fact, I am looking to spend more time on club issues as I gradually wind down my level of involvement in other companies."

Fiszman's declaration of intent is a blow to former vicechairman Dein, who has joined forces with Uzbekistan billionaire Alisher Usmanov try and gain control of the club.

Twelve days ago, Dein sold his 14.6 per cent stake in the club steel mogul Usmanov and his Iranian business partner Farhad Moshiri for £75million.

The former Arsenal director was immediately installed as chairman of the pair's investment vehicle Red and White Holdings, claiming that, without new investors, the club "might not be able to compete successfully at the very top".

However, during an hour-long meeting with the Trust, Fiszman said the board would support Wenger with any activity he wished to make in the transfer market and made it clear that funds are available to the Frenchman should he wish to use them.

Fiszman also confirmed that Arsenal will not be appointing director of football, as Wenger is happy to continue working on transfers with experienced director Ken Friar.