Flamini

[NJ10]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects Mathieu Flamini to make a decision on his future this weekend.

The 24-year-old French midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and AC Milan and Juventus are believed to be keen on signing him.
Wenger had previously expected the former Marseille man to sign a contract extension by 30 April.

But he said: "It is still not sorted out. Certainly we should get an answer by Friday or Saturday."

Asked what he thought Flamini's decision would be, Wenger said: "I'm always positive because I believe the link he has with the club will be stronger than all the other different attractions that he can have.

"I know that if it's down to football then he will stay here. If it's down to financial resources he might not stay here.

"He is free to choose a different direction, everybody is free out of contract and you have to respect that."

I think he would be a big loss for Arsenal, he has been one of their best players this season and his energy and dynamism would be sorely missed. I think he has helped Fabregas' game a lot this season, because he covers so much ground behind him that it allows Cesc to get into the box more.

I read a link with City's Michael Johnson today. I think that would be a good signing, but not as a direct replacement for Flamini.

[D-Kin]

You can tell he's gonna develop into a top class player.

Arsenal never seem to learn from their laid back approach to contracts, Wenger appears to be playing it down a little but he'll be a huge loss if he leaves.

As for a move to Juventus, I wouldn't say no.

[dukeofdavinci]

wow quite a shock to hear, any comment guys???im hearing reports in italy saying he has signed for milan etc etc.

[sinoy1]

Report: Flamini signs for Milan Saturday 3 May, 2008

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According to reports in Italy this evening, Mathieu Flamini has put pen to paper on a Milan contract after rejecting Arsenal’s terms.


The midfielder’s future has been up in the air for some time, as his contract with the Gunners expires at the end of the season.


Arsene Wenger extended the deadline for Flamini to give an answer to Monday, but that probably won’t be necessary.


According to Sky Italia, the French star has already signed a four-year contract worth £4.3m per season.


It is a slight change from the expected five-year deal worth £3.1m per term that had been mentioned in the Press.


Juventus had also been in the race to snatch up Flamini, but Milan appear to have secured his signature or at the very least a promise.


There is no official word as yet from either Arsenal or the Rossoneri.


“It will be sorted out over the weekend, and will he stay or not is down to him,” said Wenger earlier today.


“But we cannot afford not to keep our wage structure. We have a £360m debt and we have to respect the structure or we will go bust.”


Flamini had been offered a contract worth in the region of £55,000 per week.


Alexander Hleb is in a similar situation and has repeatedly been linked with Inter – something the Nerazzurri have firmly denied.

Big signing for Milan.Rino---Pirlo---Flamini.They'll destroy midfields.

[Dellas]

If he leaves it will be a massive blow to Arsenal, because without him Fabregas cannot play his own game. Flamini provided cover for the back 4 and ran a lot allowing Fabregas to dictate the play and attack without having to worry too much about defending.

Also apparently Hleb is leaving as well, losing those 2 will be a massive step backwards for Arsenal and they will really need to spend in the summer to fill those gaps.

[kyan]

It's strange. He's been waiting so long for a proper opportunity at Arsenal, in midfield, and as soon as he gets it and takes it, he decides he doesn't want it?

I'm surprised he hasn't drawn more criticism from Arsenal and neutral quarters. Of course he's doing nothing illegal, but he's not really showing loyalty.

With Flamini seeming likely to leave, and Hleb also set for the exit this could really weaken Fabregas's will to stay. He's said to be best mates with the 2 of them, and they hang out all the time... When they came on the pitch to thank the fans dor the support this season thoes 3 had their arms around each other...

This'll be a big summer for Arsenal, especially if big players start to leave.

[unitedfan]

From Flamini's point of view, he's increased his stock at Arsenal to the point sides like Milan and Juventus want him. Many players have done this at Arsenal, but few have taken that and then gone on to do it elsewhere, often meeting decline as soon as they leave. Flamini leaving on a high may contribute to him avoiding falling into that trend with the others, it may actually help him develop as a player.

Big blow for Arsenal to lose 2 of their key key players. Wenger will probably replace them, but the large majority of Arsene Wenger's signings take a season at least to really come good. Could be very hard for Arsenal next season, which could become a bit of a pattern if they aren't careful.

[kennethlindheim]

Really bad for the Gunners to lose such a quality player for nothing. Not unexpected though. Can't really blame him for signing for a better paying club and putting money before lojalty. He's greedy, but who isn't?

[D-Kin]

It's not always greed, maybe he just wants to try his luck elsewhere in a different country. Can't blame him for that.

[Dellas]

Flamini set to sign, claim Milan

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has claimed that Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is on the verge of signing for the Italian club.

"Flamini will arrive tonight in Milan and will sign a four-year contract," he said after Sunday's 2-1 win over Inter.

The French midfielder's contract with the Gunners expires at the end of this season - and manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he is wary Flamini will leave.

The 24-year-old is expected to undergo a medical at the San Siro on Monday.

Despite the offer of a new five-year deal from Arsenal, Flamini's future remains unresolved and both AC Milan and Juventus are reported to have been tracking the France international.

Following Arsenal's 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday, the Gunners' last home game of the season, Wenger conceded that he was not "super-confident" Flamini would still be with the club next season.

"Frankly, I don't know [if he is staying]," said Wenger.

"But if you ask me was I overall super-confident, I would say no. He has an offer on the table which is valid until tomorrow [Monday], then we will see.

"We have done what we had to do, it is now down to him to make a decision.

"My ideal solution is that he stays, so I am not happy if he goes - but we've done everything we can.

"We can't wait until July. You could lose players if they come on the market."

Meanwhile, Milan club owner Silvio Berlusconi has cast fresh doubt over the potential signing of Barcelona star Ronaldinho.

"I have always been doubtful over whether Ronaldinho is needed, at this point I really think we don't need him," he said.

The Italian club has agreed terms with the 28-year-old Brazilian playmaker but failed to settle on a mutually satisfactory transfer fee with Barcelona during preliminary talks.

source: BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Arsenal | Flamini set to sign, claim Milan

I think he is 60-40 out of the door. who can Arsenal play in his position if he does leave? cos Gilberto will leave in the summer almost definitely, but will Denilson be trusted to partner Fabregas in the centre?

[unitedfan]

They're linked with Makoun and Loic Perrin. I think Wenger will go for one of those guys to replace him.

I very much doubt Wenger will place any trust in Gilberto to go back to his old job. He'd sooner go with either Denilson or Diaby in that role I think.

Actually, as I said, Wenger's purchases often take time to come to fruition. Diaby may actually have a bigger role to play next season if he follows suit.

[NJ10]

I have serious reservations about Diaby, but Wenger has a good record of giving players greater responsibilities and getting good results (e.g. Flamini himself).

I think Denilson is a better prospect, but he is still a bit petulant- as seen at Blackburn in the CC.

They have been linked with Barry & Michael Johnson, I think Barry would be a strange signing for Arsenal personally, I find it hard to believe Wenger would be after him. Havent seen much of either Jean Il Makoun or Loic Perrin, but I hear Makoun is the better player....

[Olzy]

I was at the game yesterday and Cesc was getting Flamini hand and waving to the ground lol.

[Dellas]

It is done:

Milan conclude deal for Flamini

AC Milan have completed the signing of Mathieu Flamini from Arsenal on a four-year deal.

The French international, whose deal at the Emirates ran out this summer, has passed a medical and agreed terms to stay at the San Siro until 2012.

The departure will come as a blow to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who had offered the 24-year-old a new deal.

Flamini had been a key player this season, making 39 starts in midfield and scoring three times.

While Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani moved to play down fan fears that Flamini had been signed to replace Gennaro Gattuso, the player himself expressed his delight at the move.

Having spent three seasons drifting in and out of the Arsenal starting team, Flamini secured a place in central midfield alongside Cesc Fabregas, keeping Gilberto Silva out the team.

He also made his breakthrough at international level, winning his first cap in a friendly against Morocco last November.

But for all Flamini's importance to Arsenal, highlighted by a superb performance as they won 2-0 in Milan in the Champions League, Wenger had been forced to concede that the player could be tempted elsewhere.

Flamini's move to Milan will not be the first time he has left a manager disappointed.

He was a key player for Marseille, playing in the 2004 Uefa Cup final, but left for Arsenal without a transfer fee changing hands as he had yet to sign a professional contract.

At the time of his move to north London, Marseille coach Jose Anigo said: "He's a traitor - this is a beautiful treason."

While Flamini will battle with Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini for a place in the Rossoneri's midfield, Wenger is left searching for a suitable replacement.

That search for midfield reinforcements could become even more pressing if Alexander Hleb follows Flamini to Italy, with Inter Milan being reportedly interested.

source: BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Arsenal | Milan conclude deal for Flamini

Out of curiosity do you guys think that he will start or will he be a sub in the first season?

[hanuma]

He's technically a good player, but physically a bit of a weakling, so many games where he's just not at the races. He's better in a system where he's not left isolated so often, he can be solid in Serie A, but I can't see him being all that for Milan in the Champions League.