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Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote says that he is interested in purchasing Premier League club Arsenal in order to boost the profile of his homeland.
The 58-year-old, who has amassed a £12.2 billion fortune since founding his own business in 1978, is the majority shareholder in an enormous company that supplies 90% of Nigeria’s 170 million population with flour, cement and sugar.
Meanwhile, he has attracted criticism for his reluctance to invest in Nigeria’s domestic league in favour of England’s top flight.
However, Dangote is adamant that the Gunners represent a more lucrative proposition than Nigeria’s clubs as Arsene Wenger’s side can reach the global audience that the business mogul craves.
“The issue is that if I buy all the Nigerian clubs, the Nigerian flags will continue to remain here,” Dangote told Forbes.
“Buying Arsenal will take the Nigerian flag worldwide. Just like whenever (Chelsea owner) Roman Abramovich is mentioned, the name of his country comes up. Everyone knows he's Russian,” he added.
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Dangote initially attempted to secure a 15% stake in Arsenal five years ago, but was turned down by Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith, who sold her shares to Stan Kroenke.
