Premier League: Crystal Palace sign Mathieu Flamini

Crystal Palace have managed to add more depth and quality to their midfield as they completed the signing of former Arsenal player Mathieu Flamini. The Frenchman signed a contract until the end of the season. The move was possible after the transfer deadline because Flamini was a free agent after having left Arsenal this summer. He had two spells with the Gunners in his career, making 246 appearances for the club and lifting the FA Cup three times under manager Arsene Wenger. Flamini, now aged 32, has also won the Serie A title in Italy back in 2011 during a five-year spell at AC Milan. He had moved to Italy after four years at Arsenal and then returned under Wenger's command in 2013. He becomes the fifth signing of the summer for Crystal Palace after Andros Townsend, Steve Mandanda, James Tomkins and Christian Benteke. The Eagles have also secured the season-long loan move of Chelsea striker Loic Remy. Despite the quality of the signings, Alan Pardew and his men are yet to secure a Premier League win this season as they recorded one draw and two defeats so far. Palace manager Alan Pardew was quite pleased to "have secured a player of his stature" and said: "His playing ability will help us but also his leadership qualities and his ability of how to win games in a passing style." Flamini said that he relished the chance of playing at a "very ambitious"club and said the move was a "very interesting challenge". Last season the Frenchman made just 14 Premier League appearances at Arsenal but he made four appearances in the Champions League. Crystal Palace are now 9/2 at Bet365 to clinch a top-half Premier League finish this season.