Kroenke closes in on Arsenal takeover

United States businessman Stan Kroenke moved closer towards being obliged to launch a takeover bid for Arsenal after purchasing 427 more shares in the English Premier League club.

It was announced on Tuesday that Kroenke, having spent some STG3.6 million ($A6.52 million), had upped his stake in Arsenal to 29.6 per cent, fractionally short of the 29.9 per cent mark that would require him to launch a takeover for Arsenal under British law.

Last week the Denver-based Kroenke, already Arsenal's largest individual shareholder, had increased his stake to 28.9 per cent after buying 10 additional shares at a cost of some STG85,000 ($A154,027.36).

That followed his STG765,000 ($A1.39 million) share purchase in the London club last month.

Ar Arsenal's recent annual general meeting (AGM), Kroenke remained silent when asked about his plans.

Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood intervened, pointing out any public statements regarding future bid intentions must be unambiguous, otherwise the individual or group would, under the rules, be prevented from making a formal move for six months.

"I don't think we are looking for a change in custodian," Hill-Wood told the AGM. "I think you will find the club is in pretty good hands.

"I believe he (Kroenke) is happy to be a long-term shareholder in our club."