Coveted Flamini signs for Gunners as Vieira doubts persist
The midfielder, 20, has signed what the Gunners have described as "a long-term contract" after he was the target of criticism from Marseille coach Jose Anigo for agreeing to Arsenal's advances.
Manager Arsene Wenger said: "We're very pleased to welcome Mathieu to the club. He may be young, but already he has a good level of top flight experience. He is very powerful and plays with great creativity, both as a defensive and attacking midfielder, and will be a tremendous addition to our squad."
Bringing in Flamini enables Wenger to strengthen his midfield in the face of increasing speculation over Patrick Vieira's future.
French reports suggest Flamini has signed a four-year deal after rejecting a senior contract with Marseille, much to Anigo's chagrin.
"This is a beautiful treason. He (Flamini) used me," Anigo said.
Anigo had hoped Flamini would sign a permanent deal with Marseille, for whom he made 14 league appearances last season, but believes the player was tempted by the financial rewards on offer at Highbury.
"It's good money-wise that he hasn't signed for us. His sporting argument, that he feared he would play less, is no longer valid," Anigo added.
"This story has brought me to one conclusion: from now on, I'll no longer play anyone in the league who hasn't signed a professional contract.
"That deals a blow to me, because the team is all I am bothered about. But my view in that regard will never be the same again."
As Flamini arrives, former England international Ray Parlour is expected to leave for Middlesbrough after not travelling with the rest of the squad to Slovenia for tonight's friendly against Maribor.
Meanwhile, Liverpool travel to the USA for a vital 'bonding' trip tomorrow with new coach Rafael Benitez insisting Sami Hyypia is not for sale.
The Finnish defender has been the subject of interest from Barcelona, whose president Joan Laporta has said: "We need a central defender and Sami Hyypia is on our list.
"We have been studying him closely and we think Liverpool might be open to doing business."
But Liverpool have flatly rejected the prospect of selling Hyypia as Benitez reviews the squad he has inherited from Gerard Houllier.
A club spokesman said: "Sami Hyypia is just not for sale, it is as simple as that. And we have had no contact with Barcelona."
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