Mathieu Flamini says goodbye to Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger looks set to start building his team for next season without Mathieu Flamini after AC Milan announced they were closing in on the French international.

The 24-year-old midfielder - who missed yesterday's 1-0 Barclays Premier League win over Everton with an ankle problem - is out of contract at the end of the season and, as he has yet to agree a new deal, could walk away from Emirates Stadium in the summer.

The offer of a new five-year contract - understood to be worth around £50,000-a-week - has been on the table from Arsenal for some time, but looks to have been rejected in favour of a move to Serie A.

Flamini is understood to have already said his goodbyes to some staff as he left the Emirates Stadium after the Everton game, and Wenger admitted he was 'not super confident' the player would stay.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, speaking after his team's 2-1 triumph over city rivals Inter said: 'Flamini will arrive in Milan and will sign a four-year contract.'

Flamini is expected to undergo a medical later today, and an official announcement should follow.

Wenger, though, accepted contingency plans have to be put in place for such outcomes.

'At some stage you have to make a decision and if he goes we have to look at our options,' said the Arsenal boss.

'We can't wait until July. You could lose players if they come on the market.

'My ideal solution is that he stays so I am not happy if he goes - but we have done everything we can.'