Russian 'no' to Grove link

A Russian billionaire has repeated a denial that he is the mystery man interested in Arsenal's new stadium at Ashburton Grove.

Vladimir Potanin's senior aide Mikhail Barkovets spoke out amid rumours that senior Highbury directors have been in Moscow in recent weeks seeking extra investment for the ambitious 60,000-seat project.

"If such private meetings took place we do not know, but there is no interest from Potanin or Inteross company in getting involved in football," he said.

"He likes football, and plays it, whenever he can. But for us this rumour about Potanin and investment in football teams in Britain is over - full stop." Potanin, 42, an Arsenal fan, is worth around £4.3billion and is Russia's fourth richest man. It is believed there were meetings with potential investors when Arsenal were in Moscow for their match against Locomotiv in the autumn. It is said there were then further meetings recently.

The club are confident they have the money in place for Ashburton Grove and expect to announce the project has been restarted in January.