Arsenal were preparing for takeover interest before European Super League farce

Arsenal's proposed takeover by Spotify owner Daniel Ek was already in the works way before the European Super League took centre stage, according to reports.

Swedish billionaire Ek has the backing of club legends Arsene Wenger, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp as he prepares to table a whopping £1.8billion offer to seal the deal.

Current owner Stan Kroenke has ignored protests from fans by saying on Tuesday he has no intentions of selling one of eight sports franchises in his American empire.

Thousands of fans marched outside the Emirates saying "we want our Arsenal back" in the aftermath of the European Super League announcement calling for a takeover.

Ek, who has a net worth of $4.7billion, was interested way before the outcry, the Daily Mail reports.

He first revealed his desire to purchase the club on Twitter after they were beaten 1-0 by Everton but there was an enquiry way before that.

The report says senior Arsenal members were "aware of an interest" even before the European Super League caused uproar on Sunday April 18.

It suggests these club members even discussed it on match days in the same month.

However, Stan and Josh Kroenke produced a united statement on Tuesday saying they are "100 per cent committed" to the club.

"In recent days we have noted media speculation regarding a potential takeover bid for Arsenal Football Club," the statement said.

"We remain 100% committed to Arsenal *and are not selling* any stake in the Club. We have not received any offer and we will not entertain any offer."

Ek's bid of £1.8billion is just below Arsenal's valuation of £2billion and it is likely Ek's bid will come to nothing unless he ups the ante.

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