Kroenke response to Arsenal takeover rumours 'closes a lot of speculation', says Arteta

Spotify founder Daniel Ek interested in buying club after fans protest against owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment

Supporters try to set alight a US flag as they protest against Arsenal's American owner Stan Kroenke, outside the Emirates Stadium. AFP

Fans protest against Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke before the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium. PA

Fans protest against Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke before the Premier League match against Everton at the Emirates Stadium. PA

Arsenal fans protest outside the Emirates Stadium against owner Stan Kroenke after the failed launch of a European Super League. Reuters

Arsenal fans protest outside the Emirates Stadium against owner Stan Kroenke after the failed launch of a European Super League. Reuters

Police officers watch as Arsenal fans protest against the European Super League and owner Stan Kroenke outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton. Getty

Arsenal fans hang an effigy of owner Stan Kroenke during a protest outside the stadium. Getty

Supporters protest against Arsenal's US owner Stan Kroenke. AFP

Lines of police face supporters as they protest against Arsenal's US owner Stan Kroenke. AFP

Lines of police face supporters as they protest against Arsenal's US owner Stan Kroenke. AFP

Police outside the stadium during a fans' protest against Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke. PA

Arsenal fans protest outside the Emirates Stadium against owner Stan Kroenke after the failed launch of a European Super League. Reuters

A police line corals fans as they protest against Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke. AP

Arsenal fans protest against the European Super League and owner Stan Kroenke. Getty

Arsenal fans protest against the European Super League and owner Stan Kroenke. Getty

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he hopes a statement from the club's owners underlining their commitment to the club will end speculation over a potential takeover bid from Spotify founder Daniel Ek.

Swedish billionaire Ek last week has made public his interest in buying the Premier League club, which is owned by American billionaire Stan Kroenke through his Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) business.

Thousands of Gunners fans protested outside the Emirates Stadium before Friday's 1-0 defeat to Everton following the collapse of the proposed European Super League.

Arsenal were one of 12 clubs to initially sign up to proposals for the breakaway competition but, along with five other English clubs, withdrew from the plans within 48 hours after a fierce backlash from fans, players, governing bodies and the British government.

On Friday, Ek said he was considering a takeover bid and reports this week suggested former Arsenal players Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp would be part of an advisory group.

KSE released a staunch response, saying they had not received any bids.

"In recent days we have noted media speculation regarding a potential takeover bid for Arsenal Football Club," read a KSE statement.

"We remain 100 percent committed to Arsenal and are not selling any stake in the club."

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Europa League semi-final first-leg tie against former Gunners manager Unai Emery's Villarreal on Thursday, Arteta said he was pleased with the response.

"It closes a lot of the speculation regarding what could happen because they moved straight away and made very clear lines of their understanding and what they want to do with the football club," he said.

"We spoke to them and I think it was very clear, they have shown their commitment and ambition to the football club because we all want a successful team on the pitch. It was very clear and took any doubt out of the situation."

Arsenal are 10th in the Premier League and on course for their worst league finish since 1995.

However, they could play themselves back into the lucrative Champions League for the first time in five years should they win the Europa League.