Flamini ready for new deal

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is reportedly close to signing a new £45,000 a week deal at the Gunners. The French midfielder is nearing the end of his current deal, which expires in June, but is apparently ready to dedicate his long-term future to Arsenal.

"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."