Edelman departure sparks takeover talk at Arsenal

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

Arsenal revealed to the Stock Exchange yesterday morning that Edelman is leaving north London in “search of a fresh challenge”.

Responsible for overseeing the move from Highbury to Ashburton Grove, he played a key role in increasing income — by brokering sponsorship deals with Nike and Emirates.

Edelman was strongly opposed to a foreign takeover, when Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and American Stan Kroenke were thought ready to move last summer.

His stance brought him into conflict with former vice-chairman David Dein, who departed a year ago, and his exit has removed a barrier to foreign investment at the Emirates.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Arsenal,” said Edelman. “It has been a very exciting period for the business and I am proud to have contributed to the club’s many off-field achievements over the past eight years, not least the Emirates Stadium project. Now that we have completed our second season at Emirates, I believe it is the right time to seek pastures new and embark upon fresh challenges.”

Edelman has resigned as a director of Arsenal Holdings Plc, but “will be retained by the club for a 12-month period to ensure a smooth transition takes place”.

The search for his successor is already under way with director Ken Friar — who held the role for 18 years until 2000 — assuming the position of acting managing director.

Meanwhile, Robin van Persie will miss Sunday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Everton. Van Persie only lasted until half-time in Monday night’s 6-2 drubbing of Derby after incurring a slight thigh problem and is sidelined as a precaution.

The Dutch striker has been afflicted by the same problem already this season and boss Arsenal Wenger decided he would benefit from sitting out the penultimate match.

“We don’t want to gamble at this stage of the season on a muscular problem,” Wenger said.

Mathieu Flamini could be included among the substitutes after recovering from the ankle injury sustained in the 4-2 Champions League quarter-final defeat by Liverpool. “Maybe Mathieu will be on the bench but I don’t know yet. He might join in during training tomorrow,” said Wenger.

An update on Flamini’s future is expected today with the powerful French midfielder yet to decide on whether he will stay at Arsenal next season.

Wenger will continue to experiment with youngsters such as Lukasz Fabianski, Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson against Everton as their season draws to a trophyless conclusion.