'Arsenal attract Arab interest' - report

Updated 11.37 Mon Jun 11 2007

Keywords: Arsenal, Premier League, football, sport, Arsene Wenger

Reports claim Arsenal could be the subject of a possible takeover bid from one of the men who tried to buy into Premier League rivals Liverpool last season.

Mohammed Al Hashimi was set to take a 20 per cent share in the men from Anfield after persuading Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum to make a £450 million bid for the Merseysiders in December.

The Sheikh failed to buy Liverpool and it would now seem that Al Hashimi has his sights on Arsenal

The Sheikh failed to buy Liverpool with US tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks winning with an improved offer and it would now seem that Al Hashimi has set his sights on the Gunners.

The executive chairman of Dubai-based Zabeel Investments has been quoted as saying: "I know the owners are very reluctant to sell but I see Arsenal as a very profitable club. Liverpool was an opportunity which does not come along every day but we have to move on."

US billionaire Stan Kroenke, who owns the Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer club, has been linked with making a takeover bid for Arsenal after upping his stake in the club in April.

Manager Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, has insisted that he will still be at Arsenal next season but has stopped short of committing his long-term future to the club.

With speculation over Thierry Henry's future refusing to go away after a disappointing fourth-placed finish in the Premiership, Wenger has given the north Londoners a boost.

The Frenchman, who will be looking to make signings over the summer, said: "I have a contract for one more year here and I will complete that contract.

"I have never broken a contract in my entire career and I will not break a contract now. So I can tell you categorically that I will be at the club next season. And next summer I will sit down with the board and see.