| F1's Bernie preparing Arsenal bid (UPDATE) |
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Bernie Ecclestone at the Nurburgring refused to deny reports that he is preparing a bid to buy the famous north London football club Arsenal. According to the Daily Mirror, F1's chief executive is locked in a battle with rival bidder Stan Kroenke, an American, who is apparently prepared to spend more than (US) $1.3 billion for the club known as the Gunners.
"It's good if somebody is saying that, because maybe I will be approached and maybe it will be cheap," Bernie told Reuters on Saturday. The Mirror reported that Arsenal officials might be happier with a British owner, and a source said of 76-year-old Ecclestone's rival bid: "It's more than just a spectator's interest." Another insider added: "When Bernie does something he does it properly." Ecclestone revealed two years ago that, with Renault boss and friend Flavio Briatore, he made a failed bid for the Chelsea football club. Bernie said the pair "had the money" before fellow billionaire Roman Abramovich rolled into town. And, referring to the fact that he often attends Chelsea games, he commented on Saturday: "Look at what a problem I'd be in with Chelsea if I bought Arsenal."
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