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The Ligue 1 club could come under new ownership for the first time since 2007
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s dynamic right-back, has reportedly set his sights on buying Ligue 1 club FC Nantes.
The 25-year-old England international is exploring ownership in football alongside his other existing business interests.
The Arnold family’s move into French football
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Alexander-Arnold's father, Michael Arnold, who manages his son’s financial interests through a London-based firm, is taking the lead in acquiring the French club.
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The Arnolds have shown a growing interest in French sports, as Trent already holds a minority share in the Alpine F1 Team through Otro Capital.
Initially, they considered purchasing clubs like AS Saint-Etienne and Le Havre but have now shifted their focus to FC Nantes, where Nigerian winger Moses Simon currently plays.
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Nantes, an 8-time French champion, has faced several challenges under the ownership of Waldemar Kita, who took over in 2007. Financial struggles and fan discontent have marred Kita’s tenure, and his failure to construct a new stadium and negotiate favourable TV rights deals has fuelled speculation about his readiness to sell.
Details of potential Nantes takeover
The proposed deal for FC Nantes is reportedly valued at €100 million, comprising an €80 million upfront payment, a €20 million seller credit, and potential bonuses up to €40 million.
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Talks between the Arnolds and Kita have intensified, with multiple meetings taking place, including one in Geneva last summer and a third one recently in London.
Despite these negotiations, Nantes officials have publicly denied that any formal takeover discussions are underway.
This bid follows a previous attempt by Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, to purchase another French club, Girondins de Bordeaux, which fell through due to financial concerns.
Whether the Arnolds can meet Kita’s financial expectations remains to be seen, but the deal could signal a major shift in Nantes’ future under new ownership.
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