It has been rumoured for some time now that US tycoon Stan Kroenke has had his eye on the London aristocrats and he has already built up a healthy 12 per cent in the Gunners. Kroenke owns a number of sports franchises and teams in the States, including Colorado Rapids which already has links to Arsenal via the youth structures.

Kroenke is absolutely loaded and apart from his own millions he married well as his wife is the heir to the Wal-Mart fortune. Current Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood has flip-flopped more than a cornered politician on the future of Arsenal, at one point stating he would never allow Kroenke's sort near the club but later saying he would be open to offers, even from a foreigner.

If Kroenke does take over, with the possible help of Dein, he will join fellow Americans Randy Lerner, the Glazers and George Gillett and Tom Hicks in the Premiership.

However, another interesting runner has entered the field, with reports last week suggesting Chelsea fan Bernie Ecclestone is interested. The Formula One chief had been linked to Chelsea prior to Abramovich's takeover and hinted he would like to buy the Gunners.

These are strange times at the Emirates and, with Arsene Wenger unhappy and Thierry Henry departed, it wouldn't be a huge shock to see Dein return in some shape or form.