Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is confident new signing Mathieu Flamini can make a big impact.
The Arsenal boss is confident the versatile Flamini – who played at left-back in the 2006 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona – will settle quickly into life back at his old club, having spent some time training with the team this month.
Wenger told the club’s official website : “We are very pleased Mathieu has agreed to rejoin us,”.
“He is a player of real quality, with a fantastic work rate and great mentality.
“As we know, Mathieu is a strong midfielder, but is also is comfortable playing in defence too. He is a very good addition to our squad.”
Wenger added: “He is a bit older, but he is still only 29. The best years are in front of him now – the next three years.
“Physically, he is perfect. He was tested, prepared and he is physically in fantastic shape.
“He knows how we play football, knows the club and had a huge desire to come back.
“He was available because he was out of contract and he is a quality player, and a focused player. Those were all the reasons that pushed me to make that decision.”