Wenger faces anxious wait over Flamini future
Friday, 02 May 2008 20:39
Mathieu Flamini joined Arsenal from Marseille in 2004
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Arsene Wenger has revealed Mathieu Flamini will make a decision on his Arsenal future by Monday.
The French midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season, with Juventus claiming last month they are close to signing the 24-year-old.
Flamini failed to decide his future by the previous deadline set by the Gunners on April 30th.
Wenger said he hopes the midfielder would sign a new deal at the Emirates stadium.
"It will be sorted out over the weekend. Will he stay or not? That is down to him," Wenger said.
"You have to accept the market. You listen to everybody in Europe, take some time and that's why the situation has lasted a little bit.
"Ideally I want him to stay, but he's free. You can decide to sign where you want."
Flamini has been out due to a heel injury since April 10th, but is expected to return in Sunday's home clash with Everton.
The ex-Marseille player has been a revelation as a holding midfielder this season partnering Cesc Fabregas, ousting former captain Gilberto Silva from the side.
Newspaper reports today claimed AC Milan are trying to hijack Flamini's move to rivals Juventus by offering the Frenchman a whopping £144,000 a week.
The Rossoneri are looking for replacements in central midfield for Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini. 