Summer Transfer Score: Rating Arsenal’s New Signings

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Mathieu Flamini

Despite being linked with several other big-name defensive midfield targets, Arsenal moved to re-sign their former star Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer, after he was released by AC Milan this summer. Flamini was a useful player for the Gunners in his first spell at the club, reaching particularly impressive levels of performance in his final season at the Emirates in 2007/08, when his combative midfield displays played a big part in Wenger’s side topping the table for so much of the season. His departure to Milan that summer left a gaping hole in the team’s midfield, and he could prove to be their answer there again this year.

However, the Frenchman never truly continued his best Arsenal form during his time in Serie A, and could be a risky move in the market by Wenger, when a true top class player was really required to replace Alex Song, who left the club last year. Supposedly Wenger was impressed with Flamini’s fitness as he spent some time training with the club, but he may well have to settle back into the team quickly with the current long-term absence through injury of both Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby.

Although he is a hard-working, experienced professional, this was maybe a case of Wenger living up to his frugal reputation, when a more expensive signing might’ve brought more quality. 5/10.

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