Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he still does not know whether Mathieu Flamini will be staying at the club, although he confirmed that a decision about the French midfielder’s future is expected this weekend.
The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and Milan and Juventus are believed to be keen on signing him.
Wenger had previously expected the former Marseille man to have signed a contract extension by the end of April.
“It is still not sorted out,” admitted Wenger. “Certainly we should get an answer by Friday or Saturday.”
“I’m always positive because I believe the link he has with the club will be stronger than all the other different attractions that he can have.
“I know that if it’s down to football then he will stay here. If it’s down to financial resources he might not stay here.
“He is free to choose a different direction, everybody is free out of contract and you have to respect that.”
Meanwhile, Wenger admitted his surprise at the news Keith Edelman was leaving his post as managing director to seek a “fresh challenge”.
“We didn’t expect that and I don’t know why [he is leaving],” he added.
“Does he go somewhere else or has he chosen a different direction? You have to respect that.
“He has done well in a very difficult period and everybody is conscious of that.”
