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 Sunday'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 on Monday, 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."

Wenger also has to resolve the futures of players like Gilberto for next season, while rumours continue to link winger Alexander Hleb with a move to Inter and speculation is always around concerning Spain international Cesc Fabregas.

One player who will definitely not be at Emirates Stadium next season is Jens Lehmann, who will not be offered a new contract after falling down the pecking order.

The veteran goalkeeper came off the bench for the final 20 minutes on Sunday to say his farewell to the home fans.

Wenger, though, maintains the outspoken German, 38, has always been "100% professional" and a credit to the club.

"I wanted him to have a chance to say goodbye to the fans, that we respect him for what he has done for us," Wenger added.

"Jens was 100% professional, if not always an easy character.

"In all his time here, I have not known Jens to not be fully committed for a single minute. That deserves a lot of respect. He was the best keeper in the Premier League.

"He reads the game well, he is brave and had all the assets to come into the Premier league, because he is not frightened of anybody and became better and better."

Everton, meanwhile, still need a result from their final match of the season at home to Newcastle to make sure of fifth place ahead of Aston Villa, which would secure qualification for the UEFA Cup again.

Manager David Moyes said: "Three points ahead with a game to go is a position I'm happy to be in, and I am confident the players can do it."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted yesterday he was not "super-confident" Flamini would still be at Arsenal next season.

Despite the offer of a lucrative new five-year deal - understood to be worth around £55,000-a-week - from the north London club, his head was turned by Milan's interest.

Juventus were also reported to be tracking the France international, who formed a fine partnership with Cesc Fabregas at the heart of the Arsenal team this season having looked to be on his way out of the club at the end of the last campaign.

He put in a fine performance at the San Siro as Wenger's team knocked Milan out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage in March.

It is understood the player said his goodbyes to some staff as he left the car park after yesterday's home win over Everton in the Barclays Premier League.

Flamini expressed his joy that the deal had been done after finalising terms with the Serie A outfit.

"I am extremely happy. Thanks a million," he said.

The former Marseille man will compete for a place in the Rossoneri midfield alongside Brazil star Kaka and Italy trio Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini.

Milan climbed into the final qualifying place for the Champions League yesterday, leapfrogging Fiorentina who lost 2-1 at Cagliari.

Flamini's last match as an Arsenal player will be Sunday's Premier League trip to Sunderland, before he officially joins the Milan ranks on July 1.

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