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