Soccer: Gunners - Stan's not the man

LONDON - Arsenal are not about to be sold despite persistent rumours that American billionaire Stan Kroenke plans a takeover bid, managing director Keith Edelman said yesterday.

The Arsenal chief also told the club's website (www.arsenal.com) he was confident Arsene Wenger would stay at the club he has managed for nearly 11 years.

Arsenal have had an uneasy few months after a boardroom row prompted the departure of vice-chairman David Dein, and rumours that Wenger would leave at the end of his contract next year.

The rumours intensified after club captain Thierry Henry left for Barcelona last month.

Edelman said the board believed rich foreign buyers were not necessarily in the club's best interests and would not automatically invest heavily.

- REUTERS