Arsenal secure Flamini deal
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Article summary
Arsenal FC have signed Olympique de Marseille's French midfield player Mathieu Flamini.
Article body
'Long-term contract'
The 20-year-old, who appeared in the 2003/04 UEFA Cup final against Valencia CF, has signed a "long-term contract", according to the Premiership champions' official website.
No transfer fee
According to reports in France, Arsenal will not have to pay a transfer fee for Flamini as he had not signed a professional contract with Marseille, although they will have to compensate the Ligue 1 side for his development.
'Great creativity'
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: "Mathieu may be young, but he already has a good level of top-flight experience. He is very powerful, plays with great creativity, and will be a tremendous addition."
'Really happy'
Flamini himself added: "I am really happy to be joining a club which has been so successful. The squad is full of top-class players, and I know I will learn a lot from them all."
