Gunners sign French midfielder Flamini

Arsenal have tonight completed the signing of France Under-21 international Mathieu Flamini from Marseille.

The midfielder, aged 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.”

Flamini added on the club’s official website: “I am really happy to be joining a club which has been so successful in recent times and throughout its long history.

“The squad is full of top class players and I know that I will learn a lot from them all.

“It’s a very exciting time for me, and I’m looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates very soon.”