Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has revealed that he came close to acquiring English football giants Arsenal, saying the opportunity slipped away despite the club being valued significantly lower at the time.
Speaking on the failed ambition, Dangote said he had seriously considered purchasing the North London club when its valuation stood at approximately $2bn.
“I almost bought Arsenal… At that time, Arsenal was worth just about two billion dollars,” he said.
Dangote, long regarded as Africa’s richest man, had previously expressed interest in taking over Arsenal, particularly after completing major industrial projects. His latest remarks reignite discussion around what could have been one of the most high-profile football acquisitions involving an African investor.
The comments also come amid continued debate over football club ownership and the soaring market value of elite European teams, with top clubs now commanding valuations far beyond what they were worth just a few years ago.
