Crystal Palace snaps up freebie Flamini

Crystal Palace has completed the late snatch of Mathieu Flamini, acquiring the midfielder on a free transfer following his release from Arsenal at the end of last season.

The 32-year-old has agreed terms on a one-year stay at Selhurst Park, the club announced on Thursday, and will wear the No. 4 jersey vacated by Brede Hangeland.

"Crystal Palace is a very ambitious club with great players and I am looking forward to being part of that squad," said Flamini. "It is a very interesting challenge for me and I am very excited to be here.

"I have had (the) chance to discuss the move here with Alan Pardew and he really helped me make my decision."

The Frenchman also represented AC Milan, but it's the two Arsenal stints either side of the Italian job that will have most impressed manager Pardew. Flamini boasts 168 appearances in the Premier League, and helps address the void created by Mile Jedinak's departure to Aston Villa earlier this summer.

Given Palace's failed deadline-day pursuit of Flamini's former teammate Jack Wilshere, who instead opted to join Bournemouth on a season-long loan, it was clear Pardew was seeking depth beyond the current deep-lying midfield options of Yohan Cabaye, James McArthur, and Joe Ledley.

"I thought it was important to get another midfield player," Pardew said. "His playing ability will help us but also his leadership qualities and his ability of how to win games in a passing style. I am delighted that we have secured a player of his stature."

There may be lingering concerns from the Crystal Palace support due to Flamini's dip in form last season in north London, however. The veteran was often fielded due to a spate of injuries elsewhere in the squad, and was regularly found wanting for pace and - most ruinously - a lack of cleanliness in the tackle at crucial moments.

Flamini has been drafted straight into Pardew's 25-man Premier League squad, but it's unknown if he'll be available for Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough after having no preseason involvement.