Olympique Marseille are seeking financial compensation from Arsenal for Mathieu Flamini after their attempt to block his move to Highbury failed.
The 20-year-old midfielder joined Arsenal last month but Marseille allege the deal broke French Professional League rules because a player must sign his first professional contract with the club that groomed him.
Marseille coach Jose Anigo is realistic enough to know that the under-21 international will not return to the French club.
“It’s over now,” Anigo said on Tuesday.
“Flamini has made up his mind. He wanted to leave the club so there is no way for us to let him come back on friendly terms.”
Flamini had not signed a professional contract with Marseille meaning that no fee for the player is due.
“Marseille’s first goal is to break even,” Anigo said.
“There is no way we can let Arsenal have him for free.”
“The (financial) offer they have made is not even worth the time Marseille have spent grooming him.”
