Football is a squad game; a game which will see a club use upwards of twenty-five players in a season, in four domestic and European competitions. Arsène Wenger knows that more than anyone. With a bus-load of players – a whopping eight senior players to be precise – leaving the Emirates to pastures new, the lack of first-team squad depth is somewhat concerning, but something the club will, at least we hope, address before the close of the transfer window.
The replenishment of squad stock seems to have started finally, with a familiar face. “He is just here to work on his fitness, and he does that very well”, Arsène Wenger stated, mischievously, in his pre-Fulham presser. ‘He’ being Mathieu Flamini, the combative midfielder who became a real fans’ favourite during his four-year stint wearing the Arsenal shirt. But the boss didn’t fool anyone.
News broke on Thursday (August, 22nd) that Arsenal were in talks to re-sign the Frenchman, following a seemingly impressive spell of keeping himself fit at London Colney following his release from Italian giants, AC Milan. Many took to Twitter to voice their ‘outrage’ at the club’s soon-to-be latest ‘underwhelming’ signing, but I – while understanding the annoyance – am somewhat heartened by the club’s efforts to bring back Mathieu Flamini.
Mathieu Flamini, who’s garnered experience in the Barclays Premier League, a Scudetto-winning side, numerous FA Cup campaigns and a UEFA Champions League final, would be welcomed into any squad, at any level, in any country – and none more so than an Arsenal squad which has been allowed to erode away, worryingly, over the Summer.
Despite being 29-years-old, Flamini still possesses the drive and relentlessness which endeared himself to many Gooners between 2004 and 2008, as well as the characteristics to his game which made him a valuable player. Tough in the tackle, fiery and not one to shirk a confrontation, the finer points to his game were somewhat underappreciated during his time at Arsenal; notably a good range of passing, an ability to score important goals at the most delicate of moments and an astute tactical understanding, all qualities which complement the more obvious, ‘grittier’ side to his game. The player who left Arsenal in 2008 is, more-or-less, the player who will return in 2013. Having spent five-or-so years in Italy, he’s not only a still a fine player, but an experienced individual which will only enhance a fledgling squad – a squad which he can lend his know-how to when certain scenarios arise; on and off the pitch. He knows the club, the manager and, most importantly, what Arsenal means to people like you and me.
A righteous comparison is with Francis Coquelin, who himself was part of the Arsenal Summer exodus. Mathieu Flamini combines Coquelin’s all-rounded technical ability with a more focussed mindset and, arguably, unrivalled experience. He’s willing, determined and a battler – the type of player you want to substitute on in the dying embers of an important European game, just to make sure you see it through. That’s what Mathieu Flamini.
While I completely understand the feeling of frustration which has engulfed the Arsenal fanbase, with only a naïve minority having kept their heads above the waters of annoyance, which this Summer has only induced, I disagree with the branding of Arsenal as ‘unambitious’ and ‘underwhelming’. I think it’s a completely unnecessary, especially when the club have reportedly outlined their aggressive, and incredibly ambitious, five-man shortlist for the final ten-days in the transfer window which could see Arsenal spend over a £100 million.
To those who don’t want him: why not? Providing the club adds to the midfield even further, with the likes of Yohan Cabaye reportedly being lined-up, then Mathieu Flamini would be a welcome addition to the squad and a fine acquisition, albeit on a free transfer. Sometimes the cheaper options are the better options; and the best for the long-term is a short-term solution.
Mathieu Flamini would be an astute addition this Summer. Uninspiring, unspectacular, but a clever, brave Arsène Wenger signing.
Bon Retour, Mathieu!
