Arsenal news: Billionaire shareholder Alisher Usmanov discusses relationship with Stan Kroenke

Alisher Usmanov, the second largest shareholder at Arsenal, has revealed that he plans to remain involved with the club long-term. Usmanov, the third-richest man in Russia, owns just over 30% of the Gunners but has no control in the club, with American businessman Stan Kroenke having more than double that amount. The pair have a strained relationship and have barely spoken in recent years.

And, whilst Usmanov wished Kroenke success in running the club, he hinted at frustration that more money hasn't been invested in the playing staff – something the 61 year old suggested he would do in an open letter to the board three years ago.

"Unfortunately, I have no control in this club. But in any case, I'm very happy to be here. Maybe for the very, very long-term," Usmanov told CNN in a rare interview.

"I think those people [controlling shareholders] have money as well. It's just their choice – everyone can do what he's allowed to do in accordance with his status.

"I wish success to the person who has taken responsibility for the future of a team like Arsenal [Kroenke]. He's a professional and has got great experience in sports – his success is my success."

Usmanov is in no doubt that the club's future success can come under Arsene Wenger, with the Uzbekistan-born businessman giving his unreserved backing to the Frenchman.

He also believes the 65 year old lost the best years of career following the club's move to the Emirates Stadium, once again suggesting that the lack of investment from shareholders cost the manager more chances of success.

"If I had the right, I would keep Arsene until he wants because until he cannot perform his activity as a manager, it is a gift for any club to have a coach like Arsene Wenger," added the 71st richest man on the planet, according to Forbes.

"Arsene had a very, very difficult position when club shareholders didn't want to put their money into constructing the new stadium.

"Because of this, he went five years – maybe the best of his career – without a trophy. Ten years, in reality."

Turning his attention to the current crop of players at the Emirates Stadium, Usmanov is confident the club can challenge for the title once again. They last lifted the Premier League crown in 2004.

The oligarch is not just focusing on domestic honours following back-to-back FA Cup triumphs though, with a challenge for the Champions League now seen as a realistic target.

"If there aren't severe injuries, he's got a great chance to compete with teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City," he concluded.

"The championship will be decided between these four teams.

"With the team that Arsene has put together, except for one position, I think it's a club that's ready to successfully fight for Champions League titles."