DANGOTE, AFRICA'S RICHEST BILLIONAIRE, IS ON THE VERGE OF PURCHASING A FRENCH CLUB

Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, is close to acquiring Valenciennes, a French Ligue 2 team.

According to the French media site Entreprendre, the business entrepreneur and CEO of Dangote Group is willing to acquire 60% ownership of the club.

The Dangote Group is Africa's largest industrial company.

In the past, the Nigerian investor was interested in purchasing Premier League team Arsenal, but he was unable to do it.

Valenciennes was founded in 1913 and plays their home games at the newly constructed Stade du Hainaut.

The club has spent 40 years in Ligue 1 and 36 years in Ligue 2.

The Athenians have never won the Ligue 1 title, however they have won the Ligue 2 title twice.

Valenciennes has also appeared in one French Cup final.

They are presently 15th in the Ligue 2 standings.