Stan Kroenke has moved closer to launching a takeover of Arsenal after increasing his stake in the club to 29.6 per cent.

The American purchased another 427 shares in Arsenal's parent holding company from the estate of Ernest Harrison, the British industrialist, at a cost of £3.6 million as he edges closer towards the takeover threshold.

Should Kroenke, or indeed anyone else such as second-largest shareholder Alisher Usmanov, reach a figure of 29.9 per cent, they would, under the City's financial regulations, be obliged to launch a formal takeover bid.

However, Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has no problem with Kroenke's continued investment in the club - so long as it does not impact on the way he runs the team.

"As long as I am not told I have to change the way I see the vision for the club on the technical side, as long as nobody interferes with that, then I do not see what kind of impact it could have on me," Wenger said

"I believe I have shown I can manage a club on the technical side - and I have that guarantee at the club, no matter who the owner will be."

At the London club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week, Kroenke remained silent when asked about his plans. Peter Hill-Wood, the Arsenal chairman, intervened, pointing out that any public statements regarding future bid intentions must be unambiguous, otherwise the individual or group would, under the rules, be prevented from making a formal move for six months.

Kroenke, who owns the NBA's Denver Nuggets and Colorado Rapids MLS football team, has been gradually increasing his stake in Arsenal this year through a number of different share purchases.

Other major shareholders are Usmanov, the Uzbeki tycoon who holds around a 25 per cent stake, Danny Fiszman, and Lady Bracewell-Smith, with the rest held by small shareholders.

The Arsenal Supporters Trust, meanwhile, believe the latest moves do not necessarily mean a takeover from Kroenke is imminent. However, the fans group, whose representatives have travelled to the United States to meet Kroenke, stressed that should that change, "urgent discussions" would be necessary.

"While the AST welcome Stan Kroenke's involvement, we agree with the sentiment of Peter Hill-Wood's statement at the most recent AGM that there is no need for any shareholder to launch a takeover of the club," a statement read. "The AST believes in plurality of ownership. If a takeover is launched by any party, we would seek urgent discussions with those involved."

Who owns what at Arsenal

Stan Kroenke (29.6 per cent): The American is the largest stakeholder and has been perceived as the club’s saviour, without saying anything about his intentions. He owes nearly £50 million to Danny Fiszman and Richard Carr after share agreements.

Alisher Usmanov (25): Began buying shares rapidly at inflated prices, but missed his opportunity to launch a takeover after gaining fan support when the team were faltering.

Danny Fiszman (16.11): Kicked off the takeover speculation when he sold 659 shares at £5,975 each in 2007, unknowingly to Kroenke. He told fellow board members that he wanted to round down his holding to 15,000 shares. Moved to Switzerland.

Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith (15.9): Dismissed from the board in December, she has regained her directors’ box seats. Her stake could prove important if she sides with Usmanov.

Arsène Wenger (no holding): Perhaps the most significant player. As long as his team are performing, there will be little pressure from fans for a takeover from a rich benefactor. That could change if the side finish outside the top four or without a trophy.

Hill-Wood family (1.04).

Others (12.35)

Words by Gary Jacob