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Mathieu Flamini has turned down a transfer deal which would have seen him join Galatasaray.

The 31-year-old had been targeted by the Turkish side for much of July but Flamini has now stated his intention to remain at Arsenal ahead of the new campaign.

Galatasaray were in talks with the Gunners over a £4 million deal but due to the player’s failure to agree personal terms, the transfer will no longer be sanctioned.

According to various reports from the local media in Turkey, Flamini is opting to see out the rest of his contract at Arsenal which will expire in 2016.

Galatasaray had been hopeful of adding another Arsenal star to their books this summer after securing the signing of Lukas Podolski last month.

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Flamini is currently behind Coqulein and Arteta in the defensive midfield pecking order

Flamini joined Arsenal for a second spell at the club in 2013 after departing for AC Milan as a free-agent in 2008.

Speaking on Arsene Wenger’s transfer business today, the French midfielder promoted the idea of holding on to players in the Gunners squad.

“If you remember before, there were always a few players leaving and now he is keeping the players together and that’s very important,” Flamini said.

“I can feel Arsenal now is different to the club I left in 2008. I don’t think any of the key players left in the last two years. It’s a great example. And each year we have added quality players like Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech. These are players who can make the difference at any moment. So I think we have a very good chance.”

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