Southampton and Aston Villa to fight for ex-Arsenal man

Southampton and Aston Villa will reportedly fight it out to sign AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini in the summer.

The former Arsenal man is a free agent at the end of the season and is thought to be considering his options having rarely featured for the Serie A outfit this year.

The Frenchman's tenure at the San Siro has been plagued by injuries, and he is now considering a return to the Premier League, according to ClubCall.

Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino is supposedly keen on bringing in the 29-year-old, in order to add some experience to his largely young midfield.

Villa boss Paul Lambert is also monitoring Flamini's situation, but it is expected that the player would reject a move to Villa Park should they get relegated this campaign.

Flamini made over 150 appearances for the Gunners during a four-year spell before heading out to Italy.