Would Mathieu Flamini be welcomed back to the Emirates? I ask this question because after 6 months in Milan, the former Arsenal player hasn't managed to stamp his authority all over the first team and has been linked with a loan move to Napoli, but I put forward Arsenal.
The Gunners' biggest flaw this season has been the lack of a combative midfielder and Flamini could be just the man to fill the void he left.
He left Arsenal in acrimonious circumstance, with Arsene Wenger reluctant to let him leave but not willing to meet his £60,000 a-week wage demands. AC Milan were waiting with open arms and an open chequebook. A rare signing, being he is under 35 years of age.
Whilst starting the first game of the season (a defeat to Bologna) Flamini has found it difficult to settle in a side boasting the talents of Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and Rino Gattuso. Many, including myself, expected Flamini to be one of the first names on the team sheet, but it has not materialized only starting 9 games, he has found himself warming the San Siro bench most of the time. Given that Gattuso is sidelined for the entire season, you would think Flamini is a ready-made replacement. Even this has not lead to more opportunities.
Making life in Milan even more difficult for the Frenchman is the arrival of David Beckham, who has started every match since he signed and has looked extremely impressive, turning back the clock with commanding performances against Bologna and Genoa. Though, Flamini can take comfort knowing he replaced Beckham on his debut ... after 89 minutes.
Unable to force his way into the team, what will he decide? In my humble opinion he will stay and fight for his place, that is the character of the man. Even so, I don't think he will win a starting berth anytime soon. Carlo Ancelotti seems to have settled on his midfield trio and it does not include Monsieur Flamini. It would seem a loan move could do him the world of good. I would prefer if he remained in the peninsula and acclimatise to the wonderful world of Calcio.
I see him as the future, part of the re-building that will no doubt continue in the summer. Combining with Pato and Thiago Silva to form the spine of the next great AC Milan side. For all that, I feel a move would do him good and who knows maybe Arsene will welcome him back to little France before you can say ‘Sacrebleu.'
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