[Bluesummers]

First signing of our summer. I think he needs a thread.

[Zed.D]

Calcio Debate: Fla-Money - A Great Signing For Milan


Mathieu Flamini will almost certainly sign for Milan today. Carlo Garganese believes this could prove to be the best transfer of the summer in Serie A…


When Ashley Cole left Arsenal in 2006 for a lucrative contract at Chelsea, he was dubbed, by some sections of the British media, as “Cashley Cole”. I can bet my house, once the exact figures of Mathieu Flamini’s Milan contract are released, that the first label that the Frenchman will be given is “Fla-money”. [(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) funny one, but he remains a great signing]

Regardless of this, no one can doubt that, regardless of the wages they are paying the Frenchman, Milan have pulled off a superb coup, especially when you consider they are not paying a transfer fee.

The 2-1 win over Inter yesterday proved conclusively that Milan do not need a revolution this summer, they simply need a few tweaks, which in turn could make them a real force in Italy and Europe next term.

The main reason for their struggles this season has simply been a lack of alternatives in their squad. When everyone is fully fit and in form, as was the case yesterday, Milan can be irresistible.

However, all around the field, there are no adequate substitutes, be it in defence, midfield or attack. At stages of the campaign the likes of Rino Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Kaka, Ronaldo and Pippo Inzaghi, have all had extended spells on the sidelines, while Andrea Pirlo has struggled with fatigue due to overuse. The likes of Christian Brocchi, Emerson, Yoann Gourcuff and Alberto Gilardino are simply not good enough replacements.

Next season, Flamini will help to provide another option in midfield, and what an option he will be. The Frenchman has developed into one of Europe’s finest defensive midfielders. Brave, fiercely competitive, and strong in the tackle, his style of play is eerily similar to that of Gattuso, and there is no doubt that he will be the hardman’s long-term successor.

Flamini also possesses excellent tactical and mental attributes. His positioning is good, he knows how to close up the space between defence and midfield, and in this sense he is tailor-made for the style of Serie A. In fact his father is Italian, and he has relatives in Rome, so you would expect him to understand the culture well.

At the age of 24, Flamini has his whole career ahead of him, which is also relevant given the fact that many of Milan’s players are over or approaching 30 years-of-age. He will add some youthful exuberance to an experienced team, just what is required given the number of flat performances this term.

For those who say that he cannot co-exist with Gattuso, I would strongly disagree. The players may be similar, but Milan’s formation, be it 4-3-2-1 or 4-3-1-2 is flexible in allowing up to three centre midfielders to play in the same team, and furthermore I am certain that the ex-Marseille man is not a one-dimensional anchor man. He can take on a number of roles.

Having said this, the signing of Flamini will not be enough for Milan. Certainly the club needs to find some more alternatives, particularly at left back, centre forward, and in the attacking midfield position. A top quality goalkeeper will also be required, but perhaps this should be last in the line of priorities.

The capture of Flamini is a stunning signal of intent on the part of Milan, and providing Adriano Galliani continues his summer transfer work the way he has started it, next season could be a very fruitful one for the Rossoneri.

What are your views on this topic? Do you think the signing of Flamini is a good one for Milan? Will his purchase be enough, or do Milan need to strengthen other areas of the squad too? If so, where? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think…

Carlo Garganese