Stan Kroenke's share of Arsenal, the English soccer club, has crept higher by a miniscule amount.

The American businessman, who spent US$61.04 million on Arsenal shares earlier this month, has acquired a further two ordinary shares, priced at US$10,300 each. The US$20,600 investment, tiny in comparison to Kroenke's other purchases of shares at the club, does not significantly alter his percentage shareholding of the club, which remains at 28.3 per cent, but does take him a step nearer the 30 per cent figure that would oblige him to make an offer for all the club's shares. Kroenke has not, as yet, given any indication that he would favour such a bid.

The Kroenke Enterprise Group is the largest shareholder in Arsenal, ahead of Uzbek tycoon Alisher Usmanov, since the investment earlier in the month.

Arsenal reached the semi-final of the Uefa Champions League, but could not beat defending champions Manchester United. The weekend then saw the club thrashed by fellow London side Chelsea. However, the Gunners have seen off the challenge of Everton and Aston Villa in the Premier League to finish fourth and qualify for next season's Champions League once again.