Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote says he still wants to buy Arsenal despite failing in a 2010 bid to acquire a stake in the club.
The passionate Gunners fan has not given up on his dream of getting involved with the north London club, and told Bloomberg: “I still hope, one day at the right price, that I’ll buy the team.
“I might buy it, not at a ridiculous price but a price that the owners won’t want to resist. I know my strategy," he continued.
But who is Dangote ? Here are five key facts:
1. He is Africa's richest man
Dangote is the most wealthy man on the African continent. Recent estimates put his worth at around $15billion, making him the 67th richest person in the worth according to Forbes.
He is also worth nearly eight times as much as when he tried to buy into the Gunners last time. And he used to be even richer before the devaluation of Nigeria's currency.
Dangote is the most wealthy man on the African continent. Recent estimates put his worth at around $15billion, making him the 67th richest person in the worth according to Forbes.
He is also worth nearly eight times as much as when he tried to buy into the Gunners last time. And he used to be even richer before the devaluation of Nigeria's currency.
2. He started his business at 21
After graduating, Dangote returned to Nigeria to start his own business. He received a loan from his uncle and launched the Dangote Group.
He initially traded in rice and vegetable oil, but soon diversified into materials to be used for infrastructure projects, plus sugar and other products.
After graduating, Dangote returned to Nigeria to start his own business. He received a loan from his uncle and launched the Dangote Group.
He initially traded in rice and vegetable oil, but soon diversified into materials to be used for infrastructure projects, plus sugar and other products.
3. He's an award-winner
In 2014, Dangote was named Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2014, beating several esteemed candidates to the honour.
Other nominees included South Africa’s Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Director-General of the SEC Arunma Oteh and President of the African Development Bank Domald Kaberuka.
Back in November 2011, Dangote was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nigeria's second highest honour, by president Goodluck Jonathan.
In 2014, Dangote was named Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2014, beating several esteemed candidates to the honour.
Other nominees included South Africa’s Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Director-General of the SEC Arunma Oteh and President of the African Development Bank Domald Kaberuka.
Back in November 2011, Dangote was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nigeria's second highest honour, by president Goodluck Jonathan.
4. He may not be Arsene Wenger's biggest fan
Interestingly, Dangote has publically stated that Arsene Wenger “needs to change his style a bit,” claiming the team "need new direction”.
If he were to take the reins at the Emirates one day, it might have consequences for the long-serving French manager.
5. He's not universally popular
The success of his business dealings has not always been met with approval. Brian Browne, a former US consul-general to Nigeria, has criticised Dangote for receiving preferential treatment from government authorities.
For some, he gets such benefits due to his willingness to support politicians financially. Dangote is believed to have made large contributions to former Nigerian president Olusegum Obasanjo's election campaigns, while making other donations to major interest groups.
Interestingly, Dangote has publically stated that Arsene Wenger “needs to change his style a bit,” claiming the team "need new direction”.
If he were to take the reins at the Emirates one day, it might have consequences for the long-serving French manager.
5. He's not universally popular
The success of his business dealings has not always been met with approval. Brian Browne, a former US consul-general to Nigeria, has criticised Dangote for receiving preferential treatment from government authorities.
For some, he gets such benefits due to his willingness to support politicians financially. Dangote is believed to have made large contributions to former Nigerian president Olusegum Obasanjo's election campaigns, while making other donations to major interest groups.
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