Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Mathieu Flamini Reportedly Set to Return to Gunners

Arsenal are ready to bring a familiar face back to Emirates Stadium as Mathieu Flamini is set to sign with the club.

Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail first reported the news of the free transfer:

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Arsene Wenger’s intensive 12-day recruitment drive appears set to start with a contract for Mathieu Flamini, five years after he quit Arsenal for AC Milan.

The Italian club released the 29-year-old midfielder at the end of the season and he has been training with Wenger’s squad for the last two weeks.

The Arsenal manager has been impressed enough with his condition to offer him a contract and Flamini has agreed to a return despite considerable interest from other clubs.

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The veteran spent four years with Arsenal from 2004 to 2008, making 67 Premier League starts in that stretch. He has seven goals and nine assists in league matches while also contributing in various domestic and European tournaments.   

He was a member of Arsenal when they most recently won a trophy in the FA Cup in 2005, and the second-place finish in the EPL that season has not been achieved since.

However, he moved to AC Milan in 2008, and has recently failed to hold a spot on the first team for the Serie A club. Last season, Flamini made 18 appearance (15 starts) in league play and scored four goals with an assist.

This will provide some much-needed depth in the midfield after a rash of injuries has left the club without many options. As noted by BBC Sport, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mikel Arteta recently announced to be out at least six weeks if not more. 

The transfer also will please fans, who have been calling for some activity after only acquiring Yaya Sanogo this summer. The Arsenal Supporters' Trust sent a letter to ownership questioning Arsene Wenger's future with the club, according to BBC Sport.

While the club still have not spent any money on transfers, this move will at least help improve the club heading into the season.

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