Flamini left before he had proved himself at Arsenal

I HAVE to say I was surprised - and disappointed - that Mathieu Flamini decided to leave Arsenal this week.

I can't really understand how a player can decide to move on when he has only just established himself in the side and has not won anything for the club.

Flamini has had one good season - it was a very good season - but it was just one and in my book you need to do it a few more times to become an established player.

I don't really know what more Arsenal could have done to try and keep him - I believe he was offered double his wages and that's a fair offer no matter what you are being paid.

Certain players will only ever have a certain worth and Flamini must know that he is not going to be a top earner at a club.

But with Milan coming in and being able to offer him such big wages as there was no transfer fee, he was obviously going to get more playing for them.

For me it comes down to how much a player wants to play for a club. I never wanted to leave Arsenal so always tried to get a new deal. But times have changed and I don't think you will see many players staying for 10 or 12 years at clubs now.

Let's get it straight though - Arsenal can live without Mathieu Flamini, and for me Abou Diaby looks perfect to come in and play in the centre of midfield.

He's had problems with injuries and being played out of position on the left, but if he can stay fit he could be a big player in that positition for Arsenal.

Gilberto is still at the club too, and in my eyes he still has a lot to offer. Now he has had a run in the side he is starting to look a quality player again, and it looks like Arsene Wenger will try to keep him at the club.

So there are a few things for Wenger to think about already, but he will want to finish the season with a win on Sunday and then sit down and plan his moves over the summer.

He also has money to spend, and I think we may see a few new players arrive this summer.

Until next week,

Nigel