We reported yesterday morning that former midfielder Mathieu Flamini was training with the club and could to sign for the Gunners, that appears even closer now after several reports this morning suggest he will be re-signing for the North London side.

Firstly the BBC’s David Ornstein revealed the French midfielder would be likely to sign soon, he said: “should be finalized in coming day. Will be used as defensive midfield and full back cover.”

Whilst the Metro’s Jamie Sanderson reports that Arsenal are trying to get the paperwork done for the deal before 12 this afternoon, so that he is available to play against Fulham on Sunday.

He added that:

“Flamini turned down three offers from Italian clubs plus West Ham to train with Arsenal. Always hoped to earn a contract.

“Flamini far from ideal, but fit, versatile and comes with tenacity, fight and experience. Decent short-term back up.”

Return of another old boy

The Guardian’s David Hytner highlights that this isn’t anything new from Wenger as he has previously offered short term contracts to the likes of Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann and Thierry Henry, all ex-team mates of Flamini’s.

The Arsenal boss has admitted recently he is short of numbers in midfield so this signing, on the short term, is an obvious solution.

They also add how Le Professor feels the French midfielder is a perfect signing because he has Premier League experience, top-level quality and the ability to cover several positions. He is also on a free transfer.

Wenger was coy on the signing recently as he said:

“He is just here to work on his fitness and he does that very well.

“I don’t say there’s no chance and I don’t say there is a chance (of signing him)”

Despite the Arsenal manager’s comments, Flamini will almost certainly sign for the Gunners today.

Lack of ambition?

Gunners fans might be frustrated with this transfer and Peter Wood’s article in the Metro explains it perfectly.

He mentions how despite us having this pot of gold (millions) to spend we have signed someone for free. Flamini is versatile and has experience but is 29 now, an age Wenger won’t particularly like.

It would have been a lot better to sign Luiz Gustavo, a 26-year-old who is coming into his prime and would have been a fantastic signing. Does signing a free transfer on a short term deal smack a bit of desperation and a lack of ambition? I think so.

The piece in the Metro also brings up Flamini’s departure and it found my mind wandering back to an interview where the French midfielder basically asked for Arsenal to sign him back. Four years later and we finally have.

“I will always be an Arsenal fan,” says Flamini

An interview conducted in 2009 by the former AC Milan midfielder revealed he still has strong feelings towards the North London club.

He said:

“Arsenal are in my heart and they will be in my heart for ever,

“I will always be an Arsenal fan and leaving was not easy. I miss my team-mates.”

“Thankfully I’m still in contact with them all because they’re still very important to me. I was very close to Cesc, Tomas Rosicky and the African and French guys.”

Obviously a lot of those team mates would have left but he will be delighted to be back at the Emirates and is on good terms with Arsene Wenger, despite the Arsenal boss insisting Flamini left for more money before.

We have been promised new signings before the transfer window closed, and although this isn’t the marque signing we had in mind, at least this is another body on board.

The French midfielder should only be signing on a short-term deal but could prove to be a big hit.

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