บท 331: Chapter 331: Seems Difficult
London, England, near Knightsbridge, at Charles Capet's villa.
Evelyn Capet had followed Charles to London with her people, and was currently meeting with former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein at the villa.
"The one who played the biggest role in Arsenal's rise, bringing Wenger to Arsenal ten years ago was just the beginning," Charles smiled and shook hands with David Dein.
Evelyn sat on the sofa, looking at how Charles was still relaxed, and remarked, "You're still so laid-back, even though the Arsenal board has banded together to oppose your acquisition. You only own nearly 32% stake. If they want, they can completely block you out of the board!"
The 64-year-old David Dein, with a shrewd air, also explained, "It's entirely possible."
David Dein was now Charles' advisor for acquiring the Arsenal Club and would continue managing Arsenal for Charles if the deal succeeded.
Charles glanced at David Dein. "It seems these old-timers aren't easy to deal with."
David Dein shrugged. "Since the new stadium project began, the club has faced a financial shortfall. The undefeated title in 2004 was our last hurrah.
In the last two years, we've only made it to fourth in the Premier League to keep our Champions League spot, with no other titles.
The club doesn't have extra funds for new signings. Expanding market influence requires results, and now we need capital to drive that!"
"This season, after 12 rounds, Arsenal is doing quite well. Wenger's youth storm is performing well, sitting at the top," Charles also offered his praise.
"But with this lineup, they can't win the title, nor can they dream of the Champions League!"
This season, Henry had also gone to Barcelona. The beautiful attacking football from the young guns faced considerable problems with defense and goalkeeping.
"Let's not even mention others. Goalkeeper Lehmann made continuous mistakes and got injured at the season's start, leading to Almunia taking over as the main goalkeeper, but he hasn't performed well. Although defenders like Gallas and Kolo Toure have experience, younger ones like Clichy, Sagna, and Eboue remain unstable."
"However, Arsenal's combination of Fabregas, Hleb, Rosicky, and Flamini's quick, fluid, and sharp passing attacks is still good."
David Dein, shocked after hearing this, looked at Charles. "It seems you really love football!"
Charles gave David Dein a glance. "Our main striker, Eduardo, is performing well, along with the developing Van Persie. What about backups? What if the main players get injured? You know how intense Premier League matches are and how squad depth impacts winning the title!"
David Dein immediately explained, "Charles, I share your thoughts. I hope to bring in external capital to counter Manchester United and Chelsea.
Stan Kroenke was who I contacted, but the conservative forces on the board, led by chairman Peter Hill-Wood, oppose American capital, fearing Arsenal would become a tool for profit, losing the purity of football like Manchester United with the Glazers.
My differences with the board members are irreconcilable. But I didn't expect Stan Kroenke to lack resolve, siding with the board, so I planned to partner with Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov.
Then you found me. Compared to Russian capital, American capital is more acceptable, so I am confident choosing to work with you!"
Charles nodded. "Who knows if Stan Kroenke might be roped in by the board to counter me?"
Evelyn chimed in, "I've already warned Stan Kroenke. If he competes with you for control of Arsenal, Capet Sports Entertainment will fight for control of the St. Louis Rams!"
"David, the Hill-Wood family has chaired Arsenal for three generations. Although he no longer holds much stock, his leadership in opposition makes operation difficult," Charles sighed. Peter Hill-Wood currently owned only a percent of Arsenal's shares, but his family's three-generation rule over Arsenal couldn't be underestimated.
Charles wasn't worried about Stan Kroenke's actions, having ample funds himself.
But Arsenal, being a top club, had a board that greatly resented foreign capital controlling the club.
"I'll reach out to other shareholders to see if we can persuade them to sell shares," David Dein knew this was tough, having been directly ousted from the board himself.
"Tomorrow, let's first visit the training center and meet them," Charles shook his head. It was bound to be a lengthy process, but Charles hoped to resolve it before the winter transfer window next year.
As the acquisition of Premier League giant Arsenal steamed ahead, British newspapers thoroughly investigated the background of Charles Capet, the mainstay of Capet Sports Entertainment.
The Times: The Hollywood Son Strongly Lands on the British Isles, Eyeing Premier League Giant Arsenal.
Sports Gazette: A New-Type Hollywood Mogul Wants to Play Football?
The Independent: Maybe the Hollywood Prince Can Bring Hollywood Beauties to Shine on the Pitch!
Arsenal club chairman Peter Hill-Wood stated in an interview with The Guardian: "A U.S. investor thinks they can make money off Arsenal? We don't need such people."
Conversely, Capet Sports Entertainment's spokesman directly told The Mirror: "A debt-ridden Arsenal has won no title for three years. But the board wishes to reject a leader who can propel Arsenal to the pinnacle of Europe. This is irresponsible to Arsenal fans worldwide!"
At night, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger returned to his villa in North London, Totteridge. His wife, Annie, seeing Wenger distressed, consoled him, "Let the board worry about the club's acquisition. Why trouble yourself?"
"Today, I met David. He's helping that young American acquire Arsenal. He genuinely loves football. He promises to help the club repay debts and bring in world-class players to lead Arsenal to the Champions League title!" Wenger and David Dein were friends. Though Dein had left Arsenal, Wenger remained grateful for Dein bringing him from the J-League to the Premier League ten years ago.
"What can you do? We can only watch as capitalists clash," his wife, Annie, poured Wenger a cup of coffee.
"Tomorrow, the new shareholder will attend the training base's shareholders' meeting. Who knows what will happen?" Even though Wenger had been at Arsenal for ten years and led them to Premier League titles, he never reached the pinnacle of European football.
The 2005-06 season's UEFA Champions League runner-up was Arsenal's most recent high point.
*****
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