Frenchman Mathieu Flamini had been released by Arsenal in June and is now a free agent.
According to reports in the Telegraph, Crystal Palace, AS Roma, Olympiakos and another of the Frenchman’s former clubs, AC Milan are said to be exploring the possibility of securing the midfielder’s signature.
The 32-year-old midfielder has made 246 appearances over his two spells at Arsenal and is currently weighing up his options over a potential full time contract at one of the four clubs. He was a key player for Arsenal when they won back-to-back FA Cups in 2014 and 2015.
Last season he was less involved due to the competition for places in their midfield. Despite not having his contract renewed, Flamini made 24 appearances for Arsenal last season – the last of which came in the 3-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
Olympiakos have so far shown the strongest interest in Flamini, having invited the player’s agent out to Athens for talks over a deal. But no agreement has yet been reached, which leaves Palace, Roma and AC Milan time to make counter offers.
Crystal Palace need a replacement for Mile Jedinak, who surprisingly moved to Aston Villa. Alan Pardew went for a number of players in that position including the likes of Jack Wilshere, James McCarthy and Tomás Rincón, but failed to secure any deal before the transfer deadline.
The south London club submitted a 24-man squad list to the Premier League on Thursday, leaving them one slot which could be filled by a free agent if terms can be agreed.
AS Roma are also interested in signing Flamini but their midfield is pretty packed, one of the reasons why Jack Wilshere opted not to join them. He could once again lack playing time if he joined Roma.
The club that Flamini originally left Arsenal for, AC Milan, are also interested in re-signing him.
From Flamini’s perspective, it will be a very tough decision to make. There are no obvious choices. For sure, Roma looks like the last option, but the other clubs can all give him regular game time.
Olympiakos, Roma and Milan almost regularly play Champions League football, so that is something which Flamini should consider as well. However, should he want to stay in the Premier League, Palace would be more than willing to recruit him.
