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Stan Kroenke’s plans to buy Arsenal have been thwarted by Alisher Usmanov’s interest in the club, according to a soruce close to the Russian billionaire’s.

Usmanov’s advisers are confident that the price he paid for his investment will deter the American from increasing his own 12.2% interest.

Moreover, Kroenke’s refusal to buy when offered the 14.6% stake that previously belonged to David Dein is seen evidence that he will not make further investment in Arsenal.

“Kroenke will not put a bid together,” a source told . “Look at the investment he made: £6,500 a share. He could have bought Dein’s shares but he didn’t.”

Usmanov hinted this week that he was interested in learning more about Kroenke.

“Kroenke is the best shareholder in the football club,” said the Russian. “If someone wants to have a relation with me then fine.”

Dein, who is the chairman of Usmanov’s investment company, Red & White Holdings, is believed to remain optimistic about a possible return to the club in some capacity, despite the remarks that Usmanov made this week expressing concern about the former Arsenal vice-chairman’s hostile relationship with the club’s current directors.

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