Should Flamini go straight into Arsenal’s first XI against Spurs?

It’s official, Arsenal have completed the signing of defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini on a three year deal after the Frenchman was released from Italian giants AC Milan earlier on in the summer. The 29-year-old former Gunner had been training with the Arsenal first-team squad for the last month or so and it seems as though he’s impressed the Arsenal boss enough to re-sign him on a permanent deal. Contrary to reports which emerged yesterday, his salary is believed to be a modest £40k a week. Honestly, I think it’s a good deal for Arsenal. We have been missing a midfielder with his tenacity and aggression for quite some time now. His versatility will be a huge asset for us, especially in the coming season. On a free transfer and for £40k a week, I would take him any day. With Mikel Arteta out and both Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey having injury problems, the transfer makes complete sense. Flamini is no worse than he was back when he left in 2008, and he can surely do a job for us in midfield. We badly needed a player who could do the ‘dirty work’, a job our current holding midfielder Mikel Arteta wasn’t all that good at. I would even go as far as to say we should actually give him a start in the weekend’s North London derby. The man has a point to prove and the derby atmosphere will motivate him further. He will know for a fact that the NLD is the perfect game for him to once again endear himself to the Arsenal fans and he will be keen to make the most of it. The drive of a player is very important in a derby, especially when he’s returning to his former club with the fans still hostile about his acquisition. Most people won’t agree with me, but I think it will be worth it if Wenger takes a gamble and starts his fellow countryman this Sunday. I firmly believe that Mathieu Flamini will put in at least a spirited performance if not a blinder should he get the nod come Sunday. You can surely expect a crunching tackle or two, let’s just hope he doesn’t get too carried away by the occasion and get himself sent off.