Flamini: “I Have One More Year at Arsenal” by AT
In the midst of all the rumors going around in regards to Arsenal’s attempts to bring in a new defensive midfielder this summer, it seems as though the situation will be a little more complicated for Arsene Wenger than first thought, as Mathieu Flamini has confirmed today that he will be staying at the Emirates, at least for one more campaign.
On being asked whether the FA Cup final will be his last game for the Gunners, Mathieu was quoted as saying: “No, no. I still have one more year at the club.”
The Frenchman also went on to heap praise on compatriot Francis Coquelin and his meteoric rise to the first-team, insisting that he is happy with a bit-part role at Arsenal and further claiming that he is happy with the ‘healthy competition’ for places at the club.
Quite honestly, I thought it was a given that Mathieu Flamini was leaving this summer. Looking at what he had to say, it really seems as though he’s going to run out his contract again and leave on a free transfer at the end of next season. Now while the rugged midfielder is a good asset to have in the squad, there will not be much place for a new defensive midfielder to come in if he stays.
For me, Wenger really has to get rid of him this summer. Looking at the fact that Arteta also looks likely to stay, there is no way we are going to bring in another midfield hardman when we already have Coquelin, Arteta and Flamini still in the team. It is especially worrying considering the very simple fact that we need to sign a world-class defensive midfielder to compete with Coquelin.
While Flamini is happy with the ‘healthy competition’ with Coquelin, I’d rather see ‘Le Coq’ compete with players like Morgan Schneiderlin or Arturo Vidal for the defensive midfield slot in the team. Simply put, I think Wenger should get rid of both Flamini and Arteta at the end of the season. Coquelin can compete with whoever Wenger decides to bring in, and Ramsey, Wilshere and Cazorla can compete for the other deep-lying midfield role.
Anurag