Stan Kroenke increases Arsenal stake

American businessman Stan Kroenke has increased his majority shareholding in Arsenal, despite discontent at the Emirates Stadium.

KSE (Kroenke Sports Enterprise) UK Inc, wholly owned by Kroenke, has acquired 23 ordinary shares for £368,000, to take his shareholding to 67.05 per cent (41,721 shares), it was announced under corporate disclosure on Thursday.

Kroenke, who also owns the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, has been Arsenal's majority shareholder since 2011.

Many Gunners supporters believe this season should have been the one which saw their hopes for a first Premier League title in 12 years realised, but Leicester secured a remarkable triumph.

With the trophy gone, Arsenal belatedly roused themselves to finish second ahead of Tottenham, their neighbours who last topped the Gunners in 1995.

Arsenal fans are torn over the future of manager Arsene Wenger, whose 20th anniversary as boss is approaching in October, and a muted 'Time for change' protest took place during the club's win over Norwich on April 30.

Wenger has a year remaining on his current contract and will be expected to invest in his team for a sustained title challenge next season.

Arsenal on Wednesday signed Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach.