Former Arsenal midfielder worth £10bn open to buying club from Stan Kroenke

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Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has revealed he would be open to buying the club from Stan Kroenke, with the Frenchman now worth an estimated £10 billion following his successful business ventures.

The 42-year-old has built an extraordinary fortune since retiring from football in 2019, co-founding GF Biochemicals in 2008 alongside Pasquale Granata. The company focuses on ending chemical pollution and produces a chemical identified by the United States Department of Energy as one of 12 molecules that could unlock a greener future for the world.

Flamini owns more than half of the company, with his net worth reaching approximately £10 billion according to Forbes, as quoted by Football London. With Arsenal valued at £2.5 billion by Forbes in May 2025, the club would be well within the former midfielder’s financial reach.

Flamini’s Arsenal ambitions

Speaking to The Athletic in 2023, Flamini expressed his interest in running a club that holds a special place in his heart. The former Gunners star outlined his vision for using football as a force for positive change.

“If there is the right opportunity at the right time and the right discussion, if I meet people who are the same vision and mindset and desire to use football for a purpose, I would love to,” Flamini said.

“Obviously, those clubs [Arsenal and Marseille] have a special place in my heart. I never forget where I come from. In life, you never know, but it’s all about the right opportunity.”

The Frenchman credited Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp with instilling the work ethic that has driven his business success. He reflected on learning the winning mentality during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

Kroenke’s stance remains unchanged

Despite Flamini’s potential interest and financial capability, Stan Kroenke has shown no indication of selling Arsenal. The American billionaire became a shareholder in 2007 before taking full ownership in 2018.

When Spotify owner Daniel Ek reportedly considered making an offer in May 2021, Kroenke released a strong statement reaffirming his commitment to the Gunners.

“We remain 100% committed to Arsenal and are not selling any stake in the Club. We have not received any offer and we will not entertain any offer,” the statement read.

Flamini’s transformation from Premier League midfielder to billionaire businessman represents one of football’s most remarkable post-career success stories. Whether his entrepreneurial achievements could eventually translate into Arsenal ownership remains to be seen, but his commitment to using business for positive environmental impact aligns with modern football’s growing focus on sustainability.