Stan Kroenke, the billionaire American businessman, is less than US$1 million investment away from the point that would oblige him to make an offer for the remaining shares in English soccer club Arsenal.

Kroenke is 71 shares away from the takeover mark. At a cost of US$13,500 per share, that amount would set the businessman back just US$958,500 - a fraction of the amount he has invested in the club so far this year.

Intriguingly, 100 of the shares Kroenke has recently acquired came from Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood. Hill-Wood has issued contradictory messages in recent weeks, telling one British newspaper, "It does look like he is edging towards a takeover, which I would welcome," but saying at the club's AGM:  "I don't think we are looking for a change in custodian. I think you will find the club is in pretty good hands. I believe he [Stan] is happy to be a long-term shareholder in our club."

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Kroenke himself refused the chance to comment at the AGM when asked about his intentions.

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