Dangote: Why I didn’t buy Arsenal for $2b

Aliko Dangote has revealed his investment in his refinery in Lagos, Nigeria played a part in his inability to buy Arsenal.

The Nigerian billionaire first expressed interest in buying Arsenal Football Club around 2010. Over the years, he reiterated his intentions multiple times, particularly in 2015 and 2017.

Albeit he regrets not buying the club he still supports and vows to continue to support, he has however stated in an interview with Bloomberg he no longer plans to pursue the acquisition due to changes in financial priorities and the club’s increased valuation12.

Dangote’s shift in financial priorities primarily involved focusing on his business ventures, particularly the completion of the Dangote Refinery and other large-scale projects in Nigeria.

These projects required significant investment and attention, leading him to put his plans to buy Arsenal on hold.