Usmanov increases stake at Emirates

Usmanov has been increasing his stake for some time (GETTY IMAGES)

Alisher Usmanov has increased his stake in Arsenal to "over 27 per cent". Red & White Holdings Limited, which is jointly owned by the Uzbek billionaire, made the announcement yesterday although they did not give any more details. The largest individual shareholder remains Stan Kroenke, who owns 29.9 per cent. Should anyone cross the 29.99 per cent threshold, they would be obliged to make an offer for the remaining shares.

Meanwhile, the defender Johan Djourou will start training again in as little as four weeks after Arsenal confirmed yesterday he does not need reconstructive surgery on his dislocated shoulder.

The Switzerland international suffered the injury in Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester United and there were fears initially he could miss the rest of the season. But after exploratory surgery the club announced he will be able to return sooner than expected.