Gunners Midfielder On The Move?

The comments attributed to Matthieu Flamini in L’Equipe leave no doubt as to where he sees his future. “I’m playing less these days. It’s not easy to take.” He continues, with admirable ambition, “I want to score more goals, make more passes and finally win the Champions League.”

Flamini’s arrival in July 2004 was controversial. In the latter half of 2003-2004 he had claimed a place in the Marseille side, making fourteen appearances and helping them to the UEFA Cup Final. The twenty year old agreed a move to Arsenal, sparking a court case that went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who ruled in favour of the Gunners.

In North London the industrious Frenchman became known as a utility midfielder, usually standing in for Vieira, Gilberto or Fabregas when one or other of them was absent. He is dogged, industrious, and combative, a perfect replacement for Gilles Grimandi.

His value to the club, however, was emphasised last season when replacing the injured Cole and Clichy at left-back as Arsenal stormed to the Champions League Final. Allegedly at the beginning of this season he restricted his options by declaring a reluctance to play at left-back again.

Although he had just one goal from eighty-one appearances in his first two seasons, Matty has been Arsenal’s second highest scoring midfielder this term with four in thirty-two games. His reward was a first call up for the French national squad.

His decision to take the opportunity to buy out the final year of his contract brings into sharp focus one of the issues facing Arsene Wenger in the summer. There has been media speculation concerning the future of Gilberto Silva, linked with a potential move to Italy.

I can hear the groans already, but stay with me. Not for one moment would I countenance the departure of the Brazilian given not just his ability, but also the experience so lacking elsewwhere in the squad. Sometimes these things are beyond our control. Footballers and their agents act in mysterious ways.

Let me ask this open question. If Gilberto is about to depart North London, how hard would you want Arsene Wenger to fight to keep Flamini? A central trio of Diaby, Fabregas, and Denilson would surely not survive an entire season.

There are mixed messages about how much cash is available for the summer sales, and Wenger’s priorities may lie elsewhere. In that case an improved offer may be enough to keep Flamini in situ for another couple of years while the likes of Randall and Merida mature.

He hasn’t left yet, but if and when he does it will surely be with the warm wishes, if not undying affection, of most Gooners. Good luck, Matty.