ALISHER USMANOV, the Russian billionaire trying to get hold of Arsenal, has adopted a macabre tactic — plundering the dead. Usmanov, who has a 23 per cent stake in the Gunners, is attempting to buy all the shares owned by folk who have died.It is believed nearly one per cent of shares are owned by those who have passed away. And, while that may not sound a lot, it is a significant amount in the current power battle. Usmanov is just two per cent away from a 25 per cent shareholding which, he believes, would give him a say in the club.
A City source said: “When you have an institution like Arsenal, a lot of shares have been owned by people for many years. When they die they either get passed down or remain in the deceased’s name. “I’m sure Usmanov will make good offers to people who perhaps don’t care quite as much about the shares as those who owned them before.”
Gunners shares are currently trading at £10,000 a piece.
