Midfield trio make news: Appiah, Bischoff and Flamini

By Randy Osae

If Stephen Appiah will soon be playing for Arsenal but his injury conditions were being analyzed first – then he is fit and kicking now.

Appiah played for Ghana on Friday, coming on after 22 minutes to replace Michael Essien and proved his return to fitness in his nation’s World Cup qualifier against Libya.

The free agent player, following his release from Fenerbache, had been considering terms to sign at Upton Park. However, the resignation of Alan Curbishley has forced him to reconsider his options having been said to be close to reaching a £40,000-per week three-year deal.

The wage and of course, the zero transfer fee is what Wenger is considering at the moment. The Frenchman has chased the midfielder since his days at Parma in 2000, and there couldn’t have been a better time than this to finally lure him.

“There are contracts, there are talks – I can’t say anything yet,” said Appiah, welcoming Wenger’s renewed interest.

“I am not going to put people off, my agents are talking so I have nothing else to say.”

Arguably the main reason the Ghanaian veteran is been watched is because of one man now based in Italy – Mathieu Flamini.

Arsenal’s midfield enforcer last season would like to wipe-off any remaining labels of “traitor” to his name.

Flamini claims there are no regrets about accepting a £5,000 wage rise to move elsewhere, but will cheer for the Gunners in this year’s Champions League which he will only be allowed to watch with Milan.

“I don’t regret deciding to join AC Milan before knowing the results of the Serie A last season,” Flamini told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I’m happy with the choice I’ve made. Milan has given me trust and I’m trying to repay them. We can always win the Uefa Cup.”

“I will support Marseille and Arsenal in the Champions League. I believe Arsenal can do something good in the competition.”

Amaury Bischoff – one of Wenger’s new individuals to make fitting tries in Flamini’s boots, has issued a little statement of hope over the delay of his Arsenal debut.

The Portuguese youngster expressed thanks to the club for aid with his fitness and went on to put some estimation on when he should be expected to receive his welcome at the Emirates Stadium.

“The injury is getting better bit by bit,” said Bischoff. “I’ve been doing ball work for five or six days now and I am running three times a week. I’m nearly pain-free and hope to be back as soon as possible.

“It’s been difficult. I’ve been injured for a long time but Arsenal have shown faith in me. They have got me in great shape and been brilliant. They monitor me with a daily programme and a trainer is there for me every day. I think that little by little I’m getting there and will soon be back on the pitch.

“I think that in two weeks I’ll be training with the team and if all goes well, I’ll speak with the manager and coaches here. Then I’ll be back as quickly as possible.”