Despite some good performances for Arsenal in the absence of Francis Coquelin, it seems as though Mathieu Flamini will be leaving the club this summer as Arsene Wenger continues his search for a more long-term alternative in defensive midfield.
A report from the Daily Mirror suggests that the Arsenal boss will allow the Frenchman to leave the club after his current deal with the club expires this summer. The report further goes on to claim that Wenger has already identified Southampton star Victor Wanyama as a like-for-like replacement for Flamini, who will be leaving the Emirates on a free for the second time in his career.
The combative midfielder is currently on a wage package of £80,000 a week and it is understood that Wenger is also keen on shortening his wage list as he looks to bring in reinforcements. Perhaps he can just allot the same wage package to Wanyama, who according to the newspapers, is open to stepping up his career to the next level by joining Arsenal.
In my opinion, this is really good news. While Flamini is an aggressive midfielder with unrelenting work-rate, I believe Arsenal can really do with an upgrade. Besides, the Frenchman is not getting any younger and there have already been signs of his aging legs. So if you’d ask me, replacing him with someone like Wanyama who is in the prime of his career would be the best option for Arsenal.
But with that being said, the 31-year-old midfield workhorse will be vital for the Gunners for the rest of the current campaign. With Coquelin having to endure a lengthy spell on the sidelines, it is up to Flamini to take over the reigns in defensive midfield, a job he is managing to do so far. Here’s hoping that he can bid adieu to the Emirates with a Premier League winners medal come May.
Anurag
Someone kindly explain to me what these injury ‘setbacks’ are coz every player at Arsenal seems to be having them.Is it a case of an injured player injuring himself while recovering from injury??
Personally I don’t buy into it,I think it’s a case of covering up lies,otherwise how does a player that was supposed to be out for two weeks end up being sidelined for close to a year?!!
I still haven’t been able to convince myself that i want wanyama……… Why do i feel this way?
Cuz he ain’t as good as Coq, and Flamini is doing a better job than Wanyama is at the moment in the EPL.
@colin…….if that really is the answer…..why am i getting thumbed-down? L()L
Who knows, I think there is a rouge Spurs fan who comes on here and tries to wind us up lol
hahaha…….Trust me CoLin….we have many enemies (not just the spuds) …. Some come with Yokohama tyres
I don’t worry about them, after a good year they go flat as a pancake. 🙂
Any DM is Artetas replacement not Flaminis as i believe Wenger will offer him a one year extension at the end of the season if he keeps this form up and his good qualities battling keeping the opposition out… doesnt has to be flashy! Think him screaming at ramsey to get back shows the commitment and desire he has for Arsenal sums it up… brilliant to see! Another 2 is Giroud/Campbell respect where its due. If we win the league its because flamin came in a did a job with coq out so would deserve a years extension imo. Rosicky/Arteta leave il be happy with that.
Wanyama would be perfect! Time to settle as Flamini is starting atm then Coq gets back properly no need to rush him! The way Arsenal gets injurys one more DCM will do us no harm when the other 2leave!
Honestly!……….Lets bring in someone GOOD……who can deputize for Le coq…. Not someone who can outrightLy replace him (keeping in mind that competition is healthy for improveable performances)……Note that, Le coq had been doing so well until his recent injury scare… ..And the only Logical reason to replace him(in the 1st team) is if he fails to deliver (which i dn’t really see happening)…….He (Le coq) has worked so hard to get where he is at the moment and he’s been a Loyal gooner for so Long…. How do we reward him for that?
Can’t see Wenger letting the Flame go. If he keeps playing like this he’ll get in the French squad next lol.
Can’t see Wenger letting the Flame go. If he keeps playing like this he’ll get in the French squad for the Euro’s. 🙂
Talk about old(ish) dogs and new tricks lol.
give it 5 years..flamini will buy uefa…an call the cl… mathieu’s nuts…
will we get past the round of 16…of mathieus nuts?
could we win mathieus nuts …over barca an bayern- …believe
Hehe you’d have to laugh if he bought out Stan and made Wenger cut his sleves off lol
Why not the unsong hero of leicester resurgence N’Golo Kante
To be honest with you, I had no idea who N’Golo Kanté was, but I have been very very impressed with his work. That boy is fukkin’ good!
Hehe – you’d have to laugh if he bought out Stan the man and made Wenger cut his sleves off lol.
Flamini is a great player & we’re lucky to have him as back up (now 1st choice) I guess in the defensive holding man marking box to box blah blah… he’s a workhorse & can play in this position with ease, having Ramsey alongside is a nice combination & yes let’s see in may when he has not only the bpl medal but the cl medal too…
Coyg