Arsenal are launching a new scheme to invite fans to buy a stake in the club.

Supporters will be able to purchase shares in Arsenal as the club launches its own Barcelona-style membership for thousands of fans.

Arsenal will promote the Fanshare plan at Saturday’s game with Blackpool with a promotion in the programme and on the advertising screens.

It has also got the backing of the club’s board as purchasers will be given a chance to attend the club’s AGM to let them have a say in the running of Arsenal like Barcelona have for their fans in Spain.

Fanshare has been set up by the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust – which already represents around 750 shareholders and members – and is in direct contrast to Manchester United where fans are still protesting against the Glazers.

Tim Payton, of the Arsenal Shareholders’ Trust, said: “Arsenal is simply too important an institution to be owned by just one person.

“It is hugely significant that all of the major shareholders in Arsenal, – the Arsenal Board, Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and Red and White Holdings (Usmanov) have given their support to Arsenal Fanshare and its aim to increase the involvement of supporters in the ownership structure.

“It suggests that all talk of a takeover can be put to one side and the club can concentrate its energies on winning football matches.”

Fans will be able to buy a one-hundredth of a share – currently around £95 with shares trading at £9,500 each – and the AST will obtain and sell shares in the club for supporters.

Arsenal has been locked in a takeover battle for months and the AST’s stake could yet prove significant in the club’s future. More details can be seen at: www.arsenalfanshare.com

This article was first published on mirrorfootball.co.uk

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