Former Arsenal star with £9 billion fortune hints at takeover

Daniel Cabot Kerkdijk

• Updated: 15 Nov 2024 13:29 GMT
• 3 min read

Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, now a billionaire, has sparked renewed speculation about a potential takeover of his old club.

Flamini, who made 246 appearances and won an FA Cup during his two spells at Arsenal, remains popular with fans. Now, as a successful entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of £9 billion, he has not ruled out buying the club one day.

"In life, you never know what the future holds," the 40-year-old Frenchman told The Athletic. Flamini's wealth comes mainly from his company GF Biochemicals, which he co-founded in 2010 while he was still playing football.

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"We founded GF Biochemicals with the ambition to find sustainable alternatives to oil-based products," Flamini explains. His company focuses on developing environmentally friendly alternatives to petrochemicals used in everyday products, such as plastic and rubber.

Flamini now owns 60 per cent of the company and is CEO. Although his financial position is strong enough to buy Arsenal, current owner Stan Kroenke has so far rejected all takeover attempts. Still, Flamini keeps the door open.

"If the right opportunity comes at the right time, and I meet people with the same vision, I would love that." Arsenal continues to hold a special place in his heart, as does Olympique de Marseille, the club where he began his career.

Flamini wants a more sustainable football

Flamini stresses that football should be more than just a sport. "Football is the number one sport, it attracts so much attention. The big issues of this world should also be on the agenda of sports administrators."

He sees an opportunity to contribute to sustainable goals through football, a philosophy that is in line with his business activities. Despite his business success, Flamini has not forgotten his roots in sport.

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"I never forget where I come from," emphasises the Frenchman, who also played for AC Milan for five years. "It's all about the right time, the right place and the right people."

For the time being, a possible takeover of Arsenal in the future remains uncertain, but Flamini does not rule anything out.

Arsenal fans continue to speculate whether Flamini will take on a new role as owner of the club in the future. "It's a world that I belong to," concludes the former France international. "We'll see what the future brings."