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

it's not offcial yet but it sounds like it's imminent.

great signing.

hopefully brocchi and emerson are out.

dont dream.

I don't really think our squad is big enough to let people off. I'd keep Emerson and Brocchi,especially with our famed luck when it comes to injuries to key players.

Get rid of Brocchi, keep Emerson. Rino, Ambro, Flamini and Emerson is enough for DMs.

Flamini close to Milan - Monday 5 May, 2008

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is set to be unveiled as a Milan player after completing his medical in Italy.

The Frenchman is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year Rossoneri contract worth around £3m per season after rejecting offers from both Juventus and the Gunners.

“I am really happy, thanks to everyone,” he told the waiting Press outside Milanello as he completed the final details of his free transfer.

Meanwhile, the Rossoneri are still enjoying their win over Inter in the Derby della Madonnina.

They are now inches away from Champions League qualification, which would mean a big boost for their hopes in the summer transfer market.

“We are happy because it is all up to us now, but there are still two difficult games against Napoli and Udinese,” claimed Vice-President Adriano Galliani.

“Winning the derby is not like winning the Scudetto, but this is worth a top-four finish for us.

“I don't think the campionato has been re-opened by Roma. The Giallorossi are flying high but they dropped points against Livorno and I can't see Inter failing to beat Siena.”

Galliani also commented on Filippo Inzaghi, who has been in great form recently and scored the opener against Inter, although he may not be called upon for Euro 2008.

“I have great respect for Coach Roberto Donadoni and he will make up his mind. It Is true though that Pippo has scored nine in the last five games,” he concluded.

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So 5 defensive midfielders.. at least were covered in that area.

We are over-covered in that area
But still its a good addition, and i hope his
arrival means Brocchi and Emerson will leave.

Fixed

I would prefer it if we got another DM to replace Brocchi, then we would be set (for DM's anyway)

Still need LB CB ST GK AM reinforcements

EDIT:

Here he is with Braida, confirmation will be later today

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”. [ 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

i totaly agree with this goal.com article

flamini is such a gr8 sigining cuz he can play from lb/dmc/mc and he is for free

It's official.

MILANO - L'A.C. Milan comunica di aver stipulato un contratto che legherà il calciatore francese Mathieu Flamini alla società rossonera dal 1 luglio 2008 al 30 giugno 2012.


(Milan announces a 4 year contract with Mathieu Flamini).

god start to our transfer season hope we buy good player like him... mest of luck to flamini

Welcome Mathieu Good luck in the Red & Black.

Good to hear that he's official. Welcome flame, to Milan. Now, since he's a devil now, feel free to post your favorite video compilations of him, on Youtube or otherwise, just so we get a better idea of his skills. Eh, Locke?

Twist that knife

Benvenuto Flamini!!!!!!

He looks good in a Milan shirt

To be honest, it's not half as bad as it sounds. At least he signed up for his second favorite club, albeit on a free transfer. But still if I had a Milan player about to leave, I'd very much welcome him to leave to a club that I love and respect. It wouldn't hurt this way. Much.

Still, I feel for Locke. And Arsenal for that matter.

Welcome Flamini !!!!!!!!!!!!! Do us proud !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FORZA MILAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GUys do you have pictures of him in the milan's Jersey?

[I know this is not a happy moment for Porty but...] YEAH!!!

Welcome Mathieu!

How's this? (From acmilan.com's italian page. Looks like it's at Milanello.)

it is not a edited one it is real one that is certain

great signing!

welcome to milan

Thanks maine..It looks great on him..

What's his number? Is he gonna be getting Sergio's number or something? Or is Sergio with us next season?

They haven't said yet, Jack. (What number does he wear for Arsenal?)

I'd like to see him take the #5 [if Emerson is leaving].

16

Nope Kalac has got it.

I doubt he'll take 5. I doubt Emerson is leaving. Maybe his wages will be cut though.

I'm inclined to think he'll take Sergio's number...but him being a kid and all, he might decide to do an Oddo and take a all new number. Start a new legacy. Would be a good move too.

i meant flamini has 16 in arsenal

The #5 jersey is still, to me, Billy's.
(yes, I'm sentimental, but he did wear it for 20+ years)

The #14 jersey is available.

That and #5 is traditionally for defenders, i would prefer a new (worthy) CB to take that

#14 was last used by Vogel, if i am not mistaken

Great signing(hopefully) and for free as well

More of the same please

Oh, and Neverson can kindly leave now and take his huge salary with him

#5 should have been retired anyway...

^^

Oh come on! we can't retire all the numbers we have...

But one of the numbers I'm already sure we'll retire is 22. (no need to say if Kaka retires at Milan). there are very few players in Milan's history who have contributed to Milan's success as much as Kaka has [and will in the future].

to early to say that but if he stays till the end then defintly

Bigger image

Er. Zd, we didn't retire Van Basten's #9. Kaka hasn't surpassed him yet, not in my mind.

Er. Tennie. thing is, Kaka wears #22. it's not as famous or important as #9. that's why I said "I'm already sure about it".

Yeah

Baresi and Maldini were one club men, it was right their jerseys were retired. We should also have retired Costacurta's jersey. Its painful watching Emo fail and disgrace in that kit

There's no way of being sure about something like that, zd. Kaka is a very good player, but there have been a lot of other very good players at Milan in the past and unless there's a major catastrophy, there'll be a lot of very good players there in the future.

Anyway, enough of that. This is the Flamini thread. Let's discuss Flamini here, shall we.

Maybe he'll be a good signing. I always hated him but he improved a lot in the last 2 years.

We'll see. Good luck Flamini.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siI_4IYBink

Last I heard, Silvio was done with teh Brazilian players .. He wants to turn Milan into a French colony

Really good signing, if Milan allow him to play his proper game. He isn't just a DM, he's a very hard-working box-to-box kind of player, he needs to be given a bit of freedom to be effective.

I'm sure he'll turn out to be a top signing, I really rate the guy.

FORZA FLAMINI


great signing... now let the others roll in

huh? why did you hate him?

Good signing. But we need more attacking players.