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Mikel Arteta responds to Arsenal takeover talk

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Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke and KSE are “fully excited and committed” to the club, says manager Mikel Arteta, amid recent takeover talk.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that club owner Stan Kroenke remains committed to making the Gunners a success on the pitch.

Thousands of Arsenal fans gathered outside Emirates Stadium ahead of Friday’s home loss to Everton to protest against the owners.

During the scenes in north London, Swedish billionaire Daniel Ek, CEO and founder of music streaming service Spotify, tweeted his interest in buying Arsenal if the club’s under-fire American owners wanted to sell the north London outfit.

Arsenal greats Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira soon backed Ek’s bid in the fallout of the Gunners after their Super League ambitions came to a halt.

Stan Kroenke on Tuesday released a statement saying any takeover talk is not welcome, with Arteta on Wednesday appearing to draw a line through the speculation.

“I cannot control the speculation and what is going on,” Arteta said to Sky Sports in his pre-match press conference.

“What I like to know and talk about is the reality.

“We have owners that are really committed and want a successful team on the pitch, and will do everything they can to achieve that.

“When they said what they said last night, and show the commitment and desire to take the team where we all want I think it’s clear.”

Arteta has also spoken to the owners about the future of the club.

“Yes, we spoke to them and I think it was very clear,” he said.

“They showed their commitment to the football club and they showed their ambition for the football club because we all want a successful team on the pitch.

“I think it was very clear and it took any doubt out of the situation I think.

“Our fans raised their voices during the match against Everton but now we have a very clear statement from the owners.

“So, I think that is gone when they say what they said last night and show the commitment and desire to take the team where we all want.”

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