Stan Kroenke & Arsenal

Has Stan Kroenke finally taken an interest in being the majority shareholder of Arsenal?

One of the biggest criticisms of Kroenke since he acquired the biggest equity stake in Arsenal is that the billionaire doesn’t even care what happens at the club.

Kroenke is never seen at matches and he never talks to the press.

However, in a big scoop in the Mail on Sunday, it’s been reported that Kroenke’s son, Josh, is on his way to London and Arsenal for the next three months.

Josh Kroenke’s Arsenal fact finding trip

So what’s the purpose of Josh Kroenke’s Arsenal trip? The Mail report:

Kroenke, 37, has taken a flat in London for three months and is visiting every section of the club in an attempt to gain a better understanding of how they are run.

He is also said to be bringing his expertise in the development of an e-sports strategy, comprising the rise of professional gamers and YouTubers, who can now attract 1.5million viewers to their clashes.

Really? He’s in England to help Arsenal grow on YouTube? That doesn’t seem to add up.

The Mail note that “Kroenke’s visit is not in anticipation of a managerial change this summer… (he) will not be intervening in the running of Arsenal”. But will he?

How can the son of the owner operate at Arsenal without having an impact on the bigger picture?

It’s worth noting that Arsenal seem to be in a process of preparing for life after Arsene Wenger already.

While Wenger is under contract until the end of next season, he seems to be ceding power.

Ivan Gazidis, Sven Mislintat and Raul Sanllehi are all in place behind the scenes, and they seem to be wielding fresh authority, especially in the transfer market.

Also see: Why Mesut Ozil cancelled his Oxford Union appearance.

Real Madrid & Barcelona? Arsene Wenger confirms contract offers.