Russian buys Dein's Arsenal stake

David Dein, the former Arsenal vice-chairman, has sold his 14.5% stake in the club to a firm co-owned by a Russian billionaire.

The news of the involvement of Alisher Usmanov, who bought the stake for �75m, adds to pressure on the club's board to give in to a takeover.

Mr Usmanov's firm, Red & White Holdings, said it wanted to up its stake in Arsenal over time.

But it stressed there were no plans for an imminent increase in its holding.

'Best outcome'

Mr Dein has been named chairman of the firm - which is co-owned by London-based investor Farhad Moshiri.

Red & White said it felt it crucial that manager Arsene Wenger stayed at Arsenal as he was "vital to the future success of the club".

Mr Dein, the club's former vice-chairman, is a close ally of Mr Wenger, and said he was "delighted" to have found investors who shared his vision for the club.

"I have always had the best interests of Arsenal at heart. I've had a love affair with the club since I was six," Mr Dein said.

"I firmly believe that the involvement of Red & White with a significant stake and the long-term commitment of Arsene Wenger are absolutely the best outcome for the club, fans and shareholders alike."

US tycoon Stan Kroenke, who has been linked with a potential takeover of Arsenal after building up a 12.19% stake in the club, was among the favourites to buy Mr Dein's shares.

Source: BBC Sport