Arsenal owner buys a ranch bigger than Warwickshire
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has bought a $725 million Texas ranch, which covers more square miles than the whole of Warwickshire - and significantly more than either London or Los Angeles. If he paid the asking price, it makes him the owner of the world's most expensive estate.
It's considered to be the largest US ranch to be contained behind a single fence - at a total of almost 800 square miles. The Waggoner Ranch in north Texas contains thousands of cattle and horses - as well as 30,000 acres of farmland and a number of oil wells.
It had been on the market for 18 months. This is the first time the property will have been sold, as it has passed down the same family line since being established. However, a disagreement between the heirs ended up in court, which eventually concluded that the ranch could be sold.
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Kroenke said in a statement he would continue to preserve and protect this "uniquely American treasure." He added: "We are honored to assume ownership of the Waggoner – a true Texas and American landmark – and are deeply committed to continuing the proud legacy of W.T. "Tom" Waggoner, his family and his descendants...."
Fan reaction
Arsenal fans aren't universally impressed with how Kroenke has spent his money. On Twitter, Piers Morgan commented: "Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke just bought a $750 million ranch. So THAT'S where all the transfer window money went. #afc", and "Great to think that the £50k+ I've spent on Arsenal season tickets in last 8yrs helped Kroenke buy this ranch. #afc".
Other fans pointed out: "Arsenal have spent £5mill on outfield players in the last 18 months Kroenke has spent £500mill on a new ranch in the last week", and "Kroenke out here buying mega ranches but all he can do for Arsenal is buy a DM that doesn't get put in the squad :/"
One added: "Stan Kroenke is happy as long as Arsenal keep turning over a profit. Spend as little doing so. Investing & winning things isn't his priority."
