Now You Can Own Arsenal

The chance of own part of a Premier League team is beyond the reach of 99.9% of a team fans. But Arsenal are about to change that.

With Arsenal shares trading at more than £10,000 each, fans will be encouraged to buy portions of shares with relatively small contributions via the Arsenal Fanshare scheme being launched today. Supporters will be invited to pay a minimum of £100, either up front or in £10 monthly contributions, to buy one fanshare, one hundredth of an actual share. In return, the member will secure full shareholder’s rights: the chance to attend the annual general meeting, ask questions of the directors and vote on policy.

Arsenal Fanshare has been organised over five years by the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust. The trust hopes a significant chunk of Arsenal’s massive support here and overseas will subscribe, massing small contributions together to form an influential stake.

“We believe it is fundamentally helpful to the club to have supporters who are active and engaged,” the Arsenal chief executive, Ivan Gazidis, said. “The important thing is that supporters are valued and nurtured, not exploited. That is good for the club’s soul, and for its all-round health.”

The supporters’ trust spokesman, Tim Payton, said: “It is hugely significant that all the major Arsenal shareholders have given their support and that suggests talk of a takeover can be put to one side.”