Arsenal fans are thanking Stan Kroenke once again.
This is in relation to Alisher Usmanov - formally the Gunners ' second-largest shareholder - seeing his assets frozen as part of sanctions imposed by the European Union in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As per the Mirror, the restrictions placed on Usmanov include a "prohibition from making funds available" as well an EU travel ban.
Now, it's unclear as to how this decision will affect Everton as since 2017, Usmanov's USM Holdings have sponsored the club's training ground and a recent extension to the deal saw them become their Official Matchday Presenting Partner, with the MegaFon logo appearing around Goodison Park and on the sleeve of the players' training kits.
Furthermore, Usmanov has gone on record stating he'd be open to increasing his involvement with the Merseyside outfit, hinting at striking a deal with co-owner and long-time business partner Farhad Moshiri for the naming rights for the club's new stadium.
"Yes. With great pleasure, if he asks," he told the Financial Times, when asked if he would like to join Moshiri at Everton. "I am thinking about my investment in this club. I cannot reject Arsenal.
"I will not leave them as a fan. But if I join Everton, then I will wear an Everton shirt, because I am a professional.
"They are going to build a new stadium. Why not the USM Arena?
"It is not obligatory for me to participate myself. I could just sponsor them."
But amid the European Union's decision to impose those aforementioned sanctions on Usmanov, there's a sense of relief amongst many Arsenal supporters that the Russian billionaire has no connections to the club.
Take a look at what's been said on Twitter...
@willesdengooner said: "Kroenke far from perfect *of course* but hopefully this is a final answer to all those Arsenal fans who so noisily and simplistically wanted KSE to sell to Usmanov simply because he's richer."
@EduDynasty said: "Usmanov hit with sanctions, Arsenal definitely dodged a bullet."
@behnisch said: "Kroenke is a bad owner. But Usmanov would have been much, much worse."
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Usmanov, who is valued at $15.3 billion as per Forbes, initially bought into Arsenal with Moshiri in 2007.
But in August 2018 he accepted an offer of £550m from Kroenke for his shares and therefore, the American billionaire became the club's sole shareholder.
Judging by the reaction to Usmanov having his assets frozen, Arsenal supporters are just grateful that he accepted Kroenke's offer otherwise the club would have been affected by those ramifications had he gained control of the club.
