FLAMINI EYES NEW DEAL
-
Mathieu Flamini remains hopeful he will sign a new contract to stay at Arsenal beyond the end of this season. The French midfielder has established himself as Arsene Wenger's first choice alongside Cesc Fabregas in Arsenal's engine room this season.
Flamini's excellent form has prompted interest from elsewhere, with Juventus known to be admirers of the combative midfielder. Arsenal are eager to tie him down to a long-term deal and are thought to be preparing a five-year contract for the 23-year-old.
"I'm talking with the club. I am very happy and have some close friends here," he told the club's official magazine. "I really hope that I will be staying and I'm very optimistic about it. "Arsenal is my priority and I hope that everything gets sorted out because I love this club - the atmosphere is amazing, the new stadium, the supporters, everything. "We are creating a new story here and I want to be part of that story."
While the likes of Fabregas, Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky have stolen the headlines this season, Flamini has quietly impressed acting as a holding midfielder to complement their attacking inclinations. And it is a role he is more than content with, having no problem being labelled Arsenal's 'water carrier'.
"What we are trained to do is attack together and defend together," he added. "But I'm more defensive than Cesc, Tomas Rosicky and Alex Hleb. I stay behind them to clean up. "It is important for every team to have someone like that - if you win the battle in midfield, you can win the game.
"The midfield does the transition of the ball, it turns it over. "I see it as a compliment to be seen as a defensive midfielder, protecting the defence so that we can win the ball and use it. I do it with pleasure." -
i'm sure Wenger will let him stay.
-
comfirm will stay one
-
Wenger keen to seal new deal for Flamini
Arsène Wenger is keen for Mathieu Flamini to put pen to paper on a new deal as soon as possible.
The French midfielder has been superb for the Gunners this season but his current contract is set to expire in the summer.
Discussions have taken place and both parties appear united in their goal to reach agreement, but Wenger revealed that nothing has been signed yet.
“With Flamini, there is still no development just yet,” said the Arsenal manager.
“We both want him to stay, but we have not finalised any agreement yet.
“If you ask me what do I wish — I want it tied up as quickly as possible. We want him to be played as a regular player.” -
YES! flamini deserve it! n he has proven himself for scoring the best goal of tis season.
