Arsenal refute reports of a takeover

The parent company of Arsenal have categorically denied an approach has been made to take over the Barclays Premiership club.

There had been suggestions of a £350million price-tag on a controlling interest in the Gunners, who last season reached the Champions League final and have just moved into their new 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium.

However, a club statement this morning read: "Arsenal Holdings plc has noted the speculation in the media that it has received an approach or has been in talks which may lead to an offer for the company.

"The board of directors confirms that it is not and has not been in any such talks and has not received any such approach."

Arsenal play Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday where they will go in search of a first Premiership win of the season.

The Sun newspaper made claims today that "unofficial talks" took place in June. The report went on to say the group was dissuaded by a reputed asking price of £350m, it is believed that a new consortium, possibly backed by a Russian magnate, has expressed a tentative interest in buying the North London club.

The newspaper quoted "an insider" claiming: "There is an awful lot of activity going on behind the scenes at the moment, some serious discussions."

"One analyst said the recent Brazil-Argentina match at Arsenal's new Emirates stadium was an obvious way in which to showcase the club and its assets - and it is no coincidence that Boris Berezovsky, the football-loving Russian billionaire exiled in Britain, was among those at the match."