Former Arsenal player Mathieu Flamini has hinted at buying the Gunners after the now-retired midfielder amassed massive wealth from a biochemicals company
Mathieu Flamini won three FA Cups with Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Mathieu Flamini's wealth and whether there's been any word of him one day owning Arsenal...
Flamini's business success and wealth: Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini successfully transitioned into the business world after retiring from football in 2019. His primary venture, co-founding the biochemicals company GFBiochemicals, has seen his personal net worth swell to an estimated £10 billion, according to Forbes.
Kroenke vs. Flamini wealth: Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, a real estate and sports magnate, holds a larger fortune, with his net worth recently estimated by Forbes to be around $21.3 billion. Nevertheless, Flamini's £10 billion net worth makes him one of the wealthiest figures ever associated with the club, placing him in an elite financial bracket.
Potential takeover interest: Flamini's considerable wealth means he could feasibly afford to purchase Arsenal multiple times over, as the club was recently valued at approximately £2.6 billion. He has hinted at being open to buying the club from the Kroenkes, but noted that such a decision would require the right opportunity, timing, and alignment of vision.
GFBiochemicals' mission: The company Flamini co-founded is dedicated to finding sustainable alternatives to traditionally harmful, oil-based products. GFBiochemicals aims to create eco-friendly substitutes for petrochemicals, which are widely used in manufacturing items like plastics, rubber, and bath gel.
Current ownership stance: Despite the substantial financial capability of the former player, there has been no indication from the Kroenke family that they are ready to sell their ownership stake in Arsenal. Stan Kroenke controls a massive sports empire through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and has resisted previous attempts to buy the club.
Inspiration from team-mates: Flamini credits the winning mentality and strong work ethic he developed during his football career as being crucial to his later success in business. He specifically mentioned that former Arsenal team-mates Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp helped instil this competitive dedication in him.