Mathieu Flamini hints at future Arsenal takeover bid after launching multi-billion pound business

With things going well on the pitch for Arsenal, protests against the club's owners have died down – for the time being at least.

Mikel Arteta's side have exceeded expectations this season and are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Liverpool last weekend.

Progress also continues to be made behind the scenes, with Gabriel Martinelli recently committing his future to the club with new long-term deal and the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba expected to join him in signing new contracts.

There is now a positive atmosphere around the Emirates, much to the relief of the club's owner – Stan Kroenke, who has faced repeated protests from fans since completing a buyout of the club in 2018.

Arsenal supporters called on Kroenke to sell up in 2021 after he involved the club in the failed breakaway European Super League, which collapsed days after its ill-fated launch.

Spotify owner Daniel Ek announced his intention to buy the club from Kroenke, who refused to sell and has since cemented his position as owner.

Questions still remain over Kroenke's suitability due to years over underachievement and it remains to be seen whether he would consider selling in the future, if he receives a tempting offer.

Could Flamini buy Arsenal?

Fans hope one such bid could be made by a familiar face, former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini.

The Frenchman has forged a successful business career after hanging up his boots, launching several companies including co-founding GFBiochemicals (GFB) with Pasquale Granata.

In 2020, Forbes estimated the company was worth around £10bn, with Flamini's reported stake of 60 per cent potentially giving him enough wealth to table an offer for Arsenal.

While Flamini has since played down his level of wealth, he has refused to rule out the possibility of buying Arsenal or another one of his former sides, Marseille, in the future.

"Obviously those clubs have a special place in my heart," he told The Athletic.

"I never forget where I come from.

"In life, you never know but it’s all about the right opportunity. I'm a real believer in the right time, right place, right people.

"We'll see what the future is made of. I'm a believer. If you want something very much, the universe usually brings it to you. Let’s see what the universe will bring."