Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka wants to keep Mathieu Flamini in the Premier League.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that ex-AC Milan enforcer Flamini will leave the club at the end of the season.
And it is thought the ex-France star is considering hanging up his boots to concentrate on his flourishing biochemical business which is set to make him a billionaire, says the Daily Star.
But Riverside chief Karanka, who steered Boro to promotion, is keen to recruit the no-nonsense schemer.
A source said: “At only 32, Matty has plenty of life left in his legs and would be an asset for Boro going into the Premier League.
“It's not a financial decision for Matty – his business is booming and he'll soon be in the super rich bracket."