Flamini eyes fresh terms

Midfielder content at Emirates as Gunners ready new deal

Last updated: 24th January 2008

Mathieu Flamini Arsenal

Flamini: Excellent campaign

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Mathieu Flamini remains hopeful he will stay at Arsenal beyond when his existing deal expires at the end of the season.

The French midfielder has established himself as Arsene Wenger's first choice alongside Cesc Fabregas in Arsenal's engine room this season.

Flamini's excellent form has prompted interest from elsewhere, with Juventus known to be admirers of the combative midfielder.

Arsenal are eager to tie him down to a long-term deal and are thought to be preparing a five-year contract for the 23-year-old.

Talks underway

"I'm talking with the club. I am very happy and have some close friends here," he told the club's official magazine.

"I really hope that I will be staying and I'm very optimistic about it.

"Arsenal is my priority and I hope that everything gets sorted out because I love this club - the atmosphere is amazing, the new stadium, the supporters, everything.

"We are creating a new story here and I want to be part of that story."

Water carrier

While the likes of Fabregas, Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky have stolen the headlines this season, Flamini has quietly impressed acting as a holding midfielder to complement their attacking inclinations.

And it is a role he is more than content with, having no problem being labelled Arsenal's 'water carrier'.

"What we are trained to do is attack together and defend together," he added.

"But I'm more defensive than Cesc, Tomas Rosicky and Alex Hleb. I stay behind them to clean up.

"It is important for every team to have someone like that - if you win the battle in midfield, you can win the game.

"The midfield does the transition of the ball, it turns it over.

"I see it as a compliment to be seen as a defensive midfielder, protecting the defence so that we can win the ball and use it. I do it with pleasure."