AC Milan’s decision to release Mathieu Flamini back into the footballing wilderness yesterday may spark up some interest from fans of his former club Arsenal. Many will be using him to illustrate the point that leaving the red of half of North London for pastures greener does not always work out (Mr Van Persie take note). Others may well see it as an opportunity for the 28 year old to put a red and white shirt on again.

But is it worth Arsenal’s trouble? He became a highly regarded defensive midfielder during his original spell, but after turning his back on the Gunners for higher wages at the San Siro, his commitment to the North London club can be brought into question.

It is no secret to many that holding midfield is an area Arsenal could do well to strengthen. The inconsistency of Alex Song last season was originally met with speculation regarding the signing of Rennes’ Yann M’Villa as a replacement, and now Mathieu Flamini could be in the picture as a free transfer to M’Villa’s £17 million price tag.

A problem for Arsenal could be Flamini’s wage demands. One of the reasons why he left the Emirates in the first place, talks with Milan in renewing a contract broke down as they wanted him to take a wage cut. Something Arsenal are also keen for their players to do, their reduction of the Emirates wage bill may not be in keeping with offering the 28 year old a salary big enough to entice him. Another issues lies in the Frenchman’s fitness levels. Having missed the whole of last season suffering from a knee injury, Arsenal will be taking a huge risk if they were to invest big wages on a player who could just find himself making up the numbers in the treatment room.

There is however, reason to suggest it would be a sensible move for both parties. Flamini’s form in his final season for the Gunners was impressive, putting him on the Rossoneri’s radar. For many, he was the gritty defensive midfielder Arsenal so badly craved and arguably, never replaced. His knowledge of the English game as well as his well suited physicality have already been proven, and he would not need the time to adjust the Premier League that a player such as M’Villa may find himself requiring.

There is no denying Flamini’s talent. Having already proved himself in the Premier League, he was then at times, a first team regular in AC Milan’s Serie A team. Should injuries not take their toll, the recapturing of the 28 year old may prove to be a controversial but shrewd piece of business for the Gunners.

Whether or not Arsenal fans would be happy too see Mathieu Flamini back in their side would all depend on whether or not the gamble would pay off. After leaving North London in 2008, Flamini claimed Arsenal had ‘missed their chance’; well they just might get another chance with the Frenchman.

[ad_pod id=’inblog’ align=’right’]