High flyer: Mathieu Flamini is reportedly doubling his wages
after his free transfer to AC Milan
Arsenal are preparing for a summer of significant change
both on and off the pitch after Mathieu Flamini yesterday completed
his move to AC Milan on a free transfer. The departure of such a
key member of this year's squad represents a big blow at the end of
a third successive season without silverware and is likely to add
to a period of considerable reflection at the Emirates
Stadium.
Arsenal do not have the reputation of being among the
highest payers in European football and it is believed that AC
Milan were willing to pay Flamini double the estimated
£50,000-a-week that was on offer for him to stay at the
Emirates.
Wenger has admitted to a feeling that money was a main
factor in Flamini's departure, yet he remains adamant that the club
must continue to follow a wage strategy in line with their "natural
resources". He is mindful of the club's debt on the new stadium,
though further funds should soon become available from the
residential development at Highbury Square.
The risk of losing other important players is obvious
but, having constructed a young squad with such skill and care,
Wenger's caution is also understandable. He is planning to make
selective additions this summer and it is understood that the board
are willing to make around £30 million available. Wenger, though,
is expected to stick to his philosophy of developing emerging young
players and the 20-year-old Lyon winger, Hatem Ben Arfa, is among
his targets. Wenger will also consider whether to promote the
Spanish midfielder Fran Merida from the reserves.
As well as Flamini, Jens Lehmann will definitely
depart, leaving a need for added experience in goal as well as at
the centre of defence. The departure
last week of managing director Keith Edelman also strongly
suggests a change of approach in the transfer market. While Wenger
retains full control over football matters, the new managing
director, who is expected to be in place by November, will play a
far bigger role in transfer negotiations.
Flamini yesterday completed his medical at Milan after
arriving in Italy on Sunday. He will join a hugely experienced
midfield that already includes Clarence Seedorf and Massimo
Ambrosini, while Milan have moved to reassure their supporters that
Gennaro Gattuso is not poised to leave.
"Flamini is not here to replace Gattuso. He can play in
any position in midfield," said Milan vice-president Adriano
Galliani. Gattuso placed a question mark over his Serie A future by
saying last week he would love to play in the Premier League.
