WATCH: Daniel Ek wants to ’reinject the Arsenal DNA’, says Thierry Henry ahead of possible takeover bid

FILE - Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry. Photo: Nhlanhla Phillips/African News Agency (ANA)

FILE - Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry. Photo: Nhlanhla Phillips/African News Agency (ANA)

Published May 4, 2021

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LONDON - Thierry Henry has warned Arsenal supporters that a potential takeover by Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek could take a "very long" time as the club's all-time record goalscorer confirmed his role in the bid.

Ek has gone public with his desire to buy the struggling Premier League giants in the aftermath of fan protests against Arsenal's involvement in the failed European Super League project.

However, the club's billionaire American owner Stan Kroenke has insisted he has no intention of selling the Gunners.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Spotify CEO 'very serious' about Arsenal takeover bid

Henry's former teammates and Arsenal legends Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira are also part of an advisory group for Ek's takeover bid.

"He approached us, we listened to him," Henry told Sky Sports. "When we knew first and foremost that he wanted to involve the fans we actually met the Arsenal Supporters' Trust and told them what we wanted to do -- bring them back on board.

"He wants to reinject the Arsenal DNA, the identity that is long gone.

ALSO READ: Thierry Henry on Arsenal’s Super League saga: ’I don't recognise my club’

"You don't have Arsenal people there among the board that can sometimes show the right direction and that is what Daniel wants to do.

"He already said he collected the funds so he can make sure he can make a good bid. Now obviously they need to listen and see what they can do."

Last week, Kroenke, through his Kroenke Sports and Entertainment business, issued a statement saying he "will not entertain" any offer.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Arsenal fans turn to devil and vampire in Super League protests at owner Stan Kroenke

"A takeover is going to be very long and not easy if it ever happens," added Henry.

"Daniel will not move away, he will be there waiting to see if they want to sell, that is going to take a long time."

Kroenke has been Arsenal's majority shareholder for a decade and took full control of the club by buying out Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov's stake in 2018.

ALSO READ: Arsenal owners have 'no intention' of selling after Super League backlash

On the pitch, the club's performances have declined markedly during his reign.

Henry, 43, was still at the peak of his career the last time Arsenal won the Premier League in 2003/04 and they have missed out on a top-four finish in the English top flight for a fifth consecutive season.

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AFP

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