Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has announced plans to invest a staggering £8 billion ($10.2 billion) into his NFL team, the LA Rams, sparking discontent among Gunners fans.
The 77-year-old unveiled a proposal to build a 52-acre ‘village’ in Woodland Hills, California, which will serve as the Rams’ permanent headquarters.
The ambitious project, dubbed “Rams Village at Warner Center,” will feature a state-of-the-art training facility, team headquarters, entertainment venues, and a retail and residential hub.
Speaking about the venture, Kroenke stated, “This is a tremendous opportunity to develop a dynamic destination and create the Rams’ permanent headquarters within the City of Los Angeles. We look forward to working with the City to turn this vision into a reality.”
While Kroenke’s popularity among Arsenal fans has improved in recent years due to the club’s success on the pitch, this announcement is unlikely to resonate well in North London.
Supporters may question why such major resources aren’t being directed toward Arsenal’s own facilities or squad reinforcements. Calls for investment in the team’s training ground or a new striker are likely to grow louder in light of this news.
Meanwhile, Arsenal prepare to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, aiming to continue their strong run under manager Mikel Arteta.