Mathieu Flamini linked with City move
AC Milan’s Mathieu Flamini is set for a loan move to City until the end of the season, according to Sky Sports today. Roberto Mancini would be using his Italian connections and City’s ability to match the Frenchman’s generous wages to secure the deal.
With Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry looking in need of a rest, another defensive midfielder would be handy with Patrick Vieira yet to prove his fitness. Flamini, like Vieira, would be coming to City seeking first team football in a bid to make the French world cup squad.
Flamini often played at right-back for Milan last season, even though he didn’t like it, and Mancini is said to see him as an alternative to Zabaleta and Richards.
He was considered a utility player in his early years at Arsenal before having an impressive last season playing as a midfield anchor, giving Fabregas license to venture forward. Wenger didn’t want to lose him, but Milan offered him generous terms on a Bosman.
It’s claimed that City would take him initially on loan, with the option of a permanent deal at the end of the season. This makes sense as the Frenchman hasn’t had an overly successful time in Italy, and he would need to prove he is better than the players we already have.
Buying players better than we already possess isn’t easy during the January window, and the club has already indicated big deals are now more likely to be made in the Summer. My personal feeling is that Mancini is being allowed to tweak the squad as he sees fit, in a bid to gain a Champions League place. If we achieve that, then serious money could be spent on world-class players who would be more willing to join a club in Europe’s premier club competition. We’ve been interested in Torres before, and we would be again.
Update: AC Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida has played down the possible transfer saying “for the time being, there has been no official offer, interest or talks between AC Milan and Manchester City.”
- Would you like to see Flamini join City?
albatross
19 January 2010 - 1:37 pm
He looked a good footballer at Arsenal, better on the ball than De Jong if not as good in the tackle. De Jong disappointed me at Everton where he appeared to shy away from a pass or two. It all looks academic now anyway. We are certainly in greater need of a tall, tough centre back; two quality full backs; and maybe a loan target man up front. Can’t think about anything else now except tonight…C’MON YOU BLUES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arkady
23 January 2010 - 12:32 pm
NO! We have good midfielders, and moreover De Jong is in very good shape, he plays like Edgar Davids in his best. Barry also plays rather well! So we don’t need him! He didn’t have enough practice!
IrelandIsSuperman
27 January 2010 - 5:31 am
Flamini isn’t fit to shine De Jongs boots. One should wonder why Flamini isn’t a regular for his current team and why no other club showed concrete interest. Good enough for back up though.