Alisher Usmanov: 'Thierry Henry backs me to take over Arsenal'

Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has revealed that Gunners legend Thierry Henry has backed the businessman to take full control of the North-London club.

Usmanov, who holds the second-largest stake in the Premier League outfit, has publicly criticised manager Arsene Wenger on a number of occasions and has taken a fresh swipe at the Frenchman's transfer policy.

"I like many footballers, and I'm in contact with some of them," Usmanov told L'Equipe. "Perhaps my favourite of the last 10, 15 years is Thierry Henry. He's pushing me to buy all of Arsenal's shares but I cannot predict the future.

"The greatest achievement of Arsene Wenger is to have created two teams - the one that now plays for our rivals and the one that is trying to be among the best in the Premier League."

Ashley Cole, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie have been among those that have been sold to the club's rivals during Wenger's tenure.