Sport.co.uk can exclusively reveal that the prospective new owners of Liverpool, New England Sports Ventures (NESV), were given a personal tour of Arsenal's Emirates stadium in a bid to learn about the sustainable financial model instigated by the North London club.
NESV, owners of MLB franchise Boston Red Sox, were shown around the Gunners new arena and state-of-the-art London Colney training ground three weeks ago by chief executive Ivan Gazidis as they weighed up their bid for Premier League rivals Liverpool.
Arsenal have been hailed for the successful manner in which they moved from Highbury to the Emirates in 2006, after announcing a desire to move in 1999. The Gunners recorded pre-tax profits of £56 million for the year ending May 31, 2010, with group turnover increasing from £313m to £379.9m. Having recorded a handsome profit on the redevelopment of Highbury into premium real estate, the club also boast an unmatched record for takings on matchdays at their new stadium.
The prospective new owners of Liverpool have promised to free the club from the burden of 'acquisition debt' when they take charge at Anfield. NESV are poised to take control of the ailing Premier League outfit, as soon as a deal can be reached with fellow Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
A statement from NESV read: "NESV wants to create a long-term financially solid foundation for Liverpool FC and is dedicated to ensuring that the club has the resources to build for the future, including the removal of all acquisition debt.
"Our objective is to stabilise the club and ultimately return Liverpool FC to its rightful place in English and European football, successfully competing for and winning trophies.
"Since 2001, New England Sports Ventures has made successful investments in sports and entertainment properties.
"Our portfolio of companies, including the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Roush Fenway Racing are all committed to one common goal: winning.
"NESV wants to help bring back the culture of winning to Liverpool FC.
"We have a proven track record, shown clearly with the Boston Red Sox. The team has won two World Series Championships over the past six years. We will bring the same kind of openness, passion, dedication and professionalism to Liverpool FC.
"We are hopeful with regard to the pending legal and English Premier League procedures now underway, however, in light of these issues, we will respectfully refrain from comment or further actions at this time."
