We had already written about Alisher Usmanov, Uzbek-born businessmen, ferrous metal and mining tycoon, Russia’s 18th richest man. Being one of the leaders of Gazprom, which has very shady reputation in business world, having a capital of $ 5.5 billion and having a 6 years prison term behind, Usmanov is one of the leading figures in Russian economic life and have very strong influence to the politics both inside and outside Russia.

There are rumors that it is Alisher Usmanov, who plays a role of a link between Uzbekistani and Russian governments, as Usmanov is ethnic Uzbek and was born (and held in custody) in Uzbekistan. Not long ago, Alisher Usmanov has become a well known figure in a wider business circle buying a 14.6 per cent stake in Arsenal Football Club for £75 million from David Dein, the club’s former vice-chairman.

Recently, Red and White Holding, Alisher Usmanov’s investment company, released a statement to the London Stock Exchange confirming the purchase more stakes. Today, Usmanov owns over 24 percent of stakes of Arsenal FC. Thus, Usmanov is a little behind to the largest stakeholder Daniel Fiszman, Arsenal director with 24.11 percent of stakes. Analysts say that if Usmanov’s share will increase up to 30 percent, he will be able to launch a formal takeover approach.

Alisher Usmanov admits that investing money to British football clubs is a profitable business. However, he says his pragmatic interests in Arsenal were not the only reasons to buy stakes of the club, but also his passion to British football that sparked after England’s World Cup win in 1966.

P.S. Today, Aresenal is leading in the Premier League leaving Manchester United and Abramovich’s Chelsea behind to 5 and 8 point respectively.