When Arsenal release their latest financial reports this week,
proof that the club can make another Mesut Ozil-size signing will be
there in black and white.
Arsene Wenger will try again to buy a big-name striker when the transfer window re-opens in January — and he’ll have another sizeable pot to spend.
But as their £42million talisman received a standing ovation after an exceptional home debut, there was another Arsenal summer signing who was going quietly about his business. Eyebrows were raised when Mathieu Flamini arrived on a free transfer for a second spell at the club.
Handshake: Wenger congratulates Ozil for his performance against Stoke
But if the former AC Milan midfielder continues at this rate, he’ll be the pound-for-pound signing of the season.
And while their price tags are worlds apart, Ozil and Flamini’s contributions on the pitch have been anything but. ‘The two together cost £21million each,’ joked Wenger after the 3-1 home victory over Stoke.
But on Sunday's display, no-one would have baulked if Wenger had splashed £20m on Flamini. He was excellent, covering every blade of grass in pursuit of a seventh consecutive win.
Steal: Flamini signed for Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer
In fact, since his defiant debut against north London rivals
Tottenham on September 1, the Frenchman has been colossal in midfield,
providing Arsenal with the defensive qualities they lacked in recent
seasons.
Coincidentally, Mikel Arteta made his return from a six-week injury lay-off.
The former Everton midfielder has established himself as a regular for Wenger since his arrival in August 2011.
But surely the manager cannot drop Flamini, given the impact he has made.
Tired: Wenger looks set to rest exhausted Wilshere
In the short term, Wenger will look to give Jack Wilshere’s legs a much-needed rest, enabling him to field Arteta and Flamini.
‘I would normally have rested Jack today,’ said Wenger. ‘He fought very hard and was exhausted in the end so I took him off.’
Likewise, Theo Walcott could be facing a period out of the team with an abdominal injury.
The England international dropped out of the side yesterday less than an hour before kick-off. Wenger is waiting for news on how long his winger could be sidelined.
Spectator: Walcott watched the match from the crowd after pulling out with an abdominal injury
‘Nobody can tell me what it is but I hope it is a matter of days,’ said Wenger.
‘He had a test before the game and I decided to play him. He had a little problem before the Marseille game and it became a bit worse.
‘It’s a little mysterious because we don’t really know what it is.’
Arsene Wenger will try again to buy a big-name striker when the transfer window re-opens in January — and he’ll have another sizeable pot to spend.
But as their £42million talisman received a standing ovation after an exceptional home debut, there was another Arsenal summer signing who was going quietly about his business. Eyebrows were raised when Mathieu Flamini arrived on a free transfer for a second spell at the club.
Handshake: Wenger congratulates Ozil for his performance against Stoke
And while their price tags are worlds apart, Ozil and Flamini’s contributions on the pitch have been anything but. ‘The two together cost £21million each,’ joked Wenger after the 3-1 home victory over Stoke.
But on Sunday's display, no-one would have baulked if Wenger had splashed £20m on Flamini. He was excellent, covering every blade of grass in pursuit of a seventh consecutive win.
Steal: Flamini signed for Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer
Coincidentally, Mikel Arteta made his return from a six-week injury lay-off.
The former Everton midfielder has established himself as a regular for Wenger since his arrival in August 2011.
But surely the manager cannot drop Flamini, given the impact he has made.
Tired: Wenger looks set to rest exhausted Wilshere
‘I would normally have rested Jack today,’ said Wenger. ‘He fought very hard and was exhausted in the end so I took him off.’
Likewise, Theo Walcott could be facing a period out of the team with an abdominal injury.
The England international dropped out of the side yesterday less than an hour before kick-off. Wenger is waiting for news on how long his winger could be sidelined.
Spectator: Walcott watched the match from the crowd after pulling out with an abdominal injury
‘He had a test before the game and I decided to play him. He had a little problem before the Marseille game and it became a bit worse.
‘It’s a little mysterious because we don’t really know what it is.’
