For a long period of time, a lot of the English top clubs were facing pressure from the fans for a change in ownership, with Arsenal very much at the forefront of it alongside Manchester United. However, with recent developments, the fans seemed to have made peace with the Korenke family as they are racing towards their first Premier League trophy in nearly two decades.

Owing to this, owner Stan Kroenke and director Josh Kroenke have taken up very crucial positions at the club. They have been appointed co-chairs in the boardroom restructure, which sees Tim Lewis become executive vice-chair having been on the board as a non-executive director since 2020. Stan Kroenke, 75, acquired a 9.9% stake in Arsenal in 2007, becoming majority shareholder in 2011 and assuming 100% ownership in 2018.

According to Nextbet, the American said the changes “further reaffirms our family’s long-standing commitment to this great club”. Josh Kroenke is Stan’s 42-year-old son and was appointed a non-executive director in 2013. 

In a statement Stan Kroenke added: “Stability in football has never been more important as we move past the [Covid] pandemic, and we believe this is the perfect time to formalise these roles. “Our objectives and ambition will never waver – to field teams that compete for trophies at the highest level and lead our club in a way that inspires our passionate supporters around the world.”

Both these owners were on the verge of being dismantled from their position when Spotify owner Daniel Ek, a long-term fan of the Gunners, was very keen on purchasing the club. He was ready to give up all his stake at Spotify to take over Arsenal, but the Korenke family’s valuations were never met by him or any other parties. 

Thankfully for the Kroenke family, their recent investment in manager Mikel Arteta has turned out to be quite the game changer. Despite going through multiple rough patches, Arsenal stuck with the Spaniard and he is currently doing a phenomenal job. The Gunners are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League with 11 games remaining as they seek a first title since 2004.