http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1747120-arsenal-transfer-rumours-adding-mathieu-flamini-for-free-wont-inspire-goonersIt's gotten a bit easy to pile on Arsenal these days, so I'm going to try to avoid doing so here. Sure, the rumour to follow will involve another free transfer.
Yes, it will be for a player who is nearly 30 and already had a spell with the Gunners. Yes, it won't excite anyone. Yes, the move seems like the sort of reactionary, desperate signing that accompanies a poor approach to the transfer window in the first place.
But no, I won't pile on, because the truth is this—right now, Arsenal could really use a player like Mathieu Flamini, at least until the team adds a top-notch holding midfielder or gets players like Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby healthy again.
On Thursday, reports surfaced that Flamini would be returning to the Gunners. From David Hytner of the Guardian:
Arsene Wenger is poised to bring back the former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini as a free agent and the player could come into contention for the Premier League fixture at Fulham on Saturday.
Arsenal are determined to make eye-catching signings before the close of the summer window on 2 September and they have made inquiries about the Real Madrid attacking players Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria, among others, while they have had a £10m offer for the Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye rejected.
But Wenger's next signing is set to be a familiar face as he calls upon an ex-player for the fourth time in five seasons. He has previously given short-term contracts to Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann and Thierry Henry.
Hey, look at that—nestled in there is the truly juicy rumour that the team might pursue Karim Benzema or Angel Di Maria. We'll believe that when we actually see a signed contract though, eh?
Look, Arsenal needs Flamini at this point. Given that he can be brought on for the weekend, is a free addition, can play more than one position and will provide some much-needed cover in a thin, beat-up midfield, the move makes sense.
Keep in mind he was hardly shabby for AC Milan last year, making 24 appearances for the club in all competitions. WhoScored.com gave him a 7.06 match rating in Serie A play, a pretty solid mark.
But it is the symbolism of the move that will leave Gooners a bit exasperated. Here is Arsene Wenger in recent days, talking about Arsenal hitting the market hard before the window closes and then...adding Flamini as a free agent.
