Mathieu Flamini has passed a medical and agreed personal terms to join Italian giants AC Milan on a free transfer.

The player has signed a four year deal with Milan where he will battle it out for a place in midfield with the likes of Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso and Ambrosini.

It is a blow for Arsenal who have nurtured the player into becoming an integral part of this seasons team. 

I am surprised that the player should want to leave the Emirates, this season he has been the backbone of the Arsenal midfield keeping Gilberto Silva out of the team. His tough tackling and serene passing have allowed Fabregras to control the Arsenal midfield in a team that is destined for a great future.

Arsene Wenger could yet lose another key player before the season is over with Alexander Hleb being courted by AC rivals Inter Milan.

Is it not enough to play the most attractive football in the premier league? Or maybe the lure of the Italian climate is too good to turn down.