Mathieu Flamini is set to be rewarded for his excellent
start to the season with a new five-year contract. The Arsenal
midfielder's current deal runs out next summer and he will be free
to talk to other clubs about an end-of-season move from next month.
But the 23-year-old, who moved to Arsenal from Marseille in 2004,
is on the verge of being handed a lucrative new deal after proving
to be a key member of the team.
The London Evening Standard understands that negotiations between
Flamini's advisers and the club are at an advanced stage and he
could soon put pen to paper on a £40,000-a-week deal. That would
put him in a middle band of earners on Arsenal's payroll.
The Frenchman has turned his Arsenal career around after being on
the verge of leaving the club last summer and has now established
himself as Cesc Fabregas' first-choice partner in central midfield.
"I am a footballer and I want to play. I told the boss that and he
said I had to prove myself. I don't think it was a gamble to stay
and I've proved that," said Flamini. "It's a big turnaround but
I've been working hard so it's not a surprise to me. I'm very happy
to be where I am today."
Flamini's consistent performances were rewarded last month when he
made his debut for France. His re-emergence is likely to prompt
Gilberto's exit from Arsenal, either next month or at the end of
the season.
Despite starting Arsenal's last two games against Newcastle and
Middlesbrough, the Brazilian has been pushed even further down the
pecking order in recent weeks by Lassana Diarra. Juventus and
Valencia are closely monitoring the Gilberto situation and could
come in with an offer for the £4million-rated midfielder next
month.
