Wenger: The player we almost sold last month
Arsene Wenger has revealed that it took a ‘fight’ for Mathieu Flamini to remain an Arsenal player heading into this season.
The 31-year-old, who has one more year left on his contract, had been deemed likely to be offloaded during the transfer window following the emergence of Francis Coquelin last season.
However, Flamini refused to complete the personal terms of a £1.4m transfer to Galatasaray at the start of August after declaring that he would not “give up that easily” on his place at Arsenal.
And following a remarkable display from the Frenchman in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham, Arsene Wenger has revealed that Flamini was tempted to say goodbye to the Gunners at some point during the summer.
“I fought to keep him but he is at an age where you always consider what it is important at that age, which is to keep focused and stay in the team.” Wenger said
“If they do not manage to do that it is better you let them go, but he wanted to stay.”
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If I were Flamini I would leave. Wenger has a history of off loading guys who hit 30 years. Hopefully Flamini can now force his way into the senior team . As for Coqelin he must not assume he has an automatic right to the df berth.Staying in the team shd be based on performance and on one’s brand name.
It was a good news for Arsenal to see Flamini come back to live for Arsenal yesterday in a big way. Moreso at White Hart Lane of all places. The Boss may not have started Flamini for the Spurs Cup game yesterday had Coquelin been fit to start. It was a case of one man’s poison is another man’s food. Nevertheless, I think the Boss can harmonize Flamini & Coquelin efforts together at the base of the Gunners midfield by starting the duo at Leciester, with Coquelin learning and tapping from Flamini’s experience, especially the goal scoring art which Coquelin has not yet perfected.