Quite simply – two press reports, less than two weeks apart.

Saturday 22 September 2007, in The Guardian …

"I want a position that would allow me to have a blocking stake and then wait for its value to rise," Usmanov told Ekho Moskvy radio yesterday.

Tuesday 2 October in The Financial Times …

"I don't want a blocking stake," he thundered, banging his fist on the table, when asked if his gradually increasing stake was intended for some mischief-making.

The latter statement relayed to the posse of British journalists flown out on a private jet to Moscow for a briefing in Usmanov’s office.

Notice anything contradictory in the two quotes? Different message for different audiences perchance? Rationally, a conclusion would be that the man will tell people what they want to hear, but unless he changed his mind in less than a fortnight, I’d be reluctant to trust his words on the basis of any statement of his intentions.

Perhaps, coming from a culture in which the media is more controlled and free speech is less easy to come by, Usmanov has been caught out by the amount of negative press Red & White Holdings Ltd have been receiving. Even the attempts of the Schillings legal firm - who have been responsible for the censoring or removal of websites reproducing allegations against Usmanov - have ultimately backfired as the likes of Boris Johnston have been caught in the crossfire, adding fuel to the fires of outrage in this country.

Whether or not Usmanov does face Craig Murray in court remains to be seen. But if he says he will to prove the allegations wrong, would you believe he would actually do it? A man who says one thing on 22 September and the opposite on 2 October?

Over the coming months, the battle for Arsenal is going to get seriously ugly. Ultimately, the future of the club lies with Danny Fiszman, Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and Stan Kroenke. If that trio decide not to deal with Usmanov, he can be kept at bay.

But if money is no object, then even a saint can be tempted by the devil…

Oh and in case you are wondering whether or not Usmaov is desperate to get to a 25% blocking stake before the club can do something to weaken his chances, this story might give you some clues.

Finally, many of you will already know about the online petition which some would see as relevant to a possible takeover at Arsenal. No names mentioned, but it would be nice if our government would stand firm against undesirable types. Add your name if you haven’t already.