American businessman Stan Kroenke has joined the Arsenal board after accepting an invitation to become a non-executive director of the Barclays Premier League club.

KEITH EDELMAN’S departure as Arsenal managing director has revived speculation the club could be the subject of a takeover.

Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman is leaving the club “in search of a fresh challenge”, the club revealed to the Stock Exchange this morning.

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has issued a statement to the Stock Exchange confirming his Red and White Holdings company “has no current intention to make an offer” for Arsenal.

GROUNDED ROBIN: Striker Robin van Persie could be out for a month through injury and miss games with Slavia Prague, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman believes today’s announcement of a new five-year lock-down agreement by directors not to sell any more shares “kills” any takeover speculation.

ARSENAL’S minority shareholders will get a first-hand chance to quiz the board during what is expected to be a lively annual general meeting at the Emirates Stadium today.

Russian Alisher Usmanov has further increased his stake in Arsenal to 23%, it was announced this morning.

ARSENAL’S link to America has been strengthened by US billionaire Stan Kroenke acquiring a 9.9% stake in the club.

The parent company of Arsenal have categorically denied an approach has been made to take over the Barclays Premiership club.

ARSENAL’S parent company has produced healthy interim financial results over the six months to the end of November 2005.

Arsenal’s parent public limited company have produced “healthy” interim financial results over the six months to the end of November 2005.

POOR on-field performances by the biggest club in world soccer, Manchester United, were reflected in the company’s financial results as profits fell from €57.7 million (£39.3m) to €41m (£27.9m) in the year to the end of July.

ARSENAL have revealed a delay in their new stg£400 million stadium project, admitting the ground will not be open on schedule in time for the start of the 2005-2006 season.