Flamini re-joins whilst Arsenal find out European Opponents

Yesterday was a busy day for Arsenal, we actually signed someone, allbeit on a free transfer. We also found out our Champions League group stage opponents.

I'll start off with the news of the club's latest recruit. French defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini has re-joined the club following his release from AC Milan. He had been training with the club over the past week and his determination and ambition sparked Wenger to make a move for him. Hardly a marquee signing but one that should provide good cover and competition for places. He has experience of playing in England before and already knows the club and Wenger. He had a troublesome time at Milan not really being able to show the talent he had produced at the Emirates. However he's back and is eager to make an impression once more. He fills the defensive midfield position we needed whilst he can also cover at full back which he showed in his first spell as a Gunner. With injuries all over the place he'll slot straight into the 18 man squad for Sunday's crucial game against North London Rivals Spurs. A game that'll be tough as ever considering their recent spending.

Onto the Champions League group stage draw. We've been alotted into group F, along with French side Marseille and runners up from last time out Borussia Dortmund. We also have Napoli who we played in the pre-season Emirates Cup. The draw could not have been tougher bar having PSG instead of Marseille. The draw has given another reason, if any more reasons were needed to be given, that the club needs to spend and get world class players in. The latest to be rumoured are the Real Madrid trio of Benzema, Ozil and Di Maria. Di Maria would be the most likely due to the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale in the Spanish capital. I can't really see all three joining though. Arsenal still have a keen interest in Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye but Wenger is reluctant to bid the £17m required. Young defensive midfielder Josuha Guilavogui, who plays for Saint-Etienne, is subject of an £8.5m bid should we not persue Cabaye any further.

The transfer window closes on Monday, but before that is the North London Derby. The next few days could determine our season despite being at such an early stage!