Juventus managing director Jean-Claude Blanc says he is confident of pippin AC Milan to the signing of Matthieu Flamini, and reveals that the Arsenal midfielder was a supporter of the Bianconeri as a child.
It is looking increasingly likely that French star Flamini will be leaving the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old, who is now regarded as one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders, has still to sign an extension to his Arsenal contract that runs out in June.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, who has given Flamini a deadline to sign up or leave, is now almost resigned to losing him.
Juventus and Milan are the two main teams tussling for his signature, but it is the former who are believed to be in pole position.
“We have the advantage,” said Blanc.
“As a child Flamini was a supporter of Juve. We have a sporting project in place, and we will be in the Champions League. Milan will not.”
Flamini, who has Italian ancestry, has stated on numerous occasions in the past that it is his intention to play in Serie A at some point of his career.
Gianni Wilson