Fitting in nicely: Wenger impressed by old boy Flamini as he closes in on free transfer

Returning? Mathieu Flamini was playing for AC Milan up to the end of last season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised Mathieu Flamini, who is back training with his former club.

However, he did not state whether Flamini, who was released by AC Milan in the summer, would be signing on a permanent deal.

'He is just here to work on his fitness and he does that very well,' said Wenger. 'I don't say there's no chance and I don't say there is a chance [of signing him].'

Scrutiny: Arsene Wenger has been under pressure for his transfer policy this summer

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's trip to Fulham, Wegner said: 'For us the season can take off at this point. It’s a very important game tomorrow to respond to Villa game. 

'It’s very important to recover very quickly. We played Wednesday night and are playing Saturday morning. We must get energy, and focus straight back.'

Most of the scrutiny of Wenger over the summer has surrounded his inactivity in the transfer market, with Yaya Sanogo the only signing.

'Ideally we’d rather have our squad in place before start of season,' Wenger admitted. 'I am a big fan of closing the window once the season has started. It makes sense.

Gunner then goner: Flamini moved away from Arsenal in 2008 after spending four years in north London

'We work very hard on it, it didn’t come off as quickly and well as we wanted. In football you have to deal with any situation and be patient. As long as window until the last minute anything can happen. 

'You would be surprised how early we acted. It’s a question of patience. Sometimes nothing happens for five or six weeks then sometimes in 24 hours you can do five, six good deals. It’s not predictable.'

Asked whether he would rather mould younger players, rather than buy, Wenger said: 'That has to be the basis. You can buy world class players but it cannot be the basis of any club to only buy players. 

'They have to add something to what you have done at home. Our midfield on Wednesday night, three of five have made debut here and at top level. Two have been bought. I think that’s the right balance.

'We are happy with Champions League football but we want more. The first question of any player moving is, ''Do you play in the Champions League?'' It’s as simple as that. That is the first requirement of the top, top players.'

Pressure: An agitated Wenger during Arsenal's Champions League play-off against Fenerbahce