Arsene Wenger has urged Mathieu Flamini not to leave Arsenal just for the sake of a 'few bucks'.
Arsenal boss desperate to maintain nucleus of squad
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged Mathieu Flamini not to leave Emirates Stadium just for the sake of a 'few bucks'.
The Gunners, who travel to relegated Derby on Monday night, are facing a third season in a row without silverware as a campaign which initially promised so much is set to end without success.
Wenger, though, is confident his young Gunners can sample glory next season, despite it being rumoured key men like Cesc Fabregas, Alexander Hleb and Flamini are summer targets for a number of clubs across Europe.
Flamini in particular has been strongly linked with a move to Juventus as the Frenchman, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has yet to accept a new deal with Arsenal and Wenger is desperate to maintain his squad.
Strong
"There is something in this team which is stronger than a few bucks here and there," said Wenger.
"What is really important is that this team says 'lets go to the end of our potential together and not walk out for any simpler reason' - and that is where I expect them to show strength, and care what they can achieve together.
"We are not any more in a period where you get £100 more at another club and it decides your life.
"Flamini can earn more somewhere else that is for sure because it would be a free transfer - but how much is he ready to sacrifice to stay here?"
Fire
Wenger has been left bitterly disappointed by another barren campaign, but the Arsenal boss claims he maintains a 'fire' for a return to the glory days.
"Of course I looked at myself, it is the first thing I do," Wenger added. "I worked harder than ever this year.
"Do I have the fire and desire is not what I question. What is so difficult to swallow is that you work as hard as I did and finish empty handed.
"I am not pretentious enough to say I didn't make mistakes - but we only lost three games and we are not competing for the championship."
