Gunners share sale set to spark takeover frenzy

THERE was a dramatic development in the battle for control of Arsenal last night after it emerged that the Gunners’ third largest shareholder Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith is poised to sell her stake in the club.

Her decision to sell has triggered speculation that an imminent takeover could be on the cards for the Emirates Stadium outfit with American Stan Kroenke and Russian Alisher Usmanov both waiting in the wings.

Bracewell-Smith, who owns a 15.9% share in the north London side, could make £80 million (€90.5m) if she sells out altogether and she is understood to have hired Blackstone, a US group, to find a buyer.

Kroenke currently holds a 29.98% stake in the club, fractionally below the 30% threshold required to trigger a formal takeover bid.

The Kroenke Sports Enterprises group could be handed significant funding in the coming weeks, with Kroenke believed to be planning a sale of his stake in the NFL side St Louis Rams.

Usmanov’s Red and White Holdings will also have been alerted by the latest development, as they hold a 26.29% share in the Gunners.

Bracewell-Smith’s decision to sell come as a surprise as she has often insisted she has no intention of selling her stake.

Arsenal have refused to comment on the development.

Meanwhile striker Robin van Persie could make a surprise return to the Gunners squad for tomorrow night’s crucial north London derby against Tottenham.

The 26-year-old Dutchman scored eight goals in 11 games before rupturing ankle ligaments in Holland’s friendly against Italy last November.

Arsenal are three points behind leaders Chelsea with five games to play.

And with the Blues hosting Bolton at Stamford Bridge tonight, Arsene Wenger’s men could be six points adrift by the time they kick off against Spurs at White Hart Lane.

Chelsea also benefit from a far superior goal difference, so anything other that a victory would deal the Gunners’ title aspirations a potentially fatal blow.

Three points would keep Arsenal in realistic contention and see them leapfrog Manchester United into second place, which may encourage Wenger to gamble on naming Van Persie in his injury-ravaged squad.

The Dutchman has missed 31 games in all competitions but his rehabilitation went to plan and Wenger was impressed by the physical condition he was in on returning from Holland.

Van Persie’s return to fitness could have implications for Nicklas Bendtner who has been leading the line in the Dutchman’s absence since his own return from a three-month injury lay-off in January.

However, the Dane reckons Van Persie’s imminent return will be ‘‘great’’ for the Gunners.

“When you play for a top club you want top competition and that is what we have here,’’ he said.

“It will be great to have him back. If we can have him available it is a boost for us.’’