Wenger confident on Flamini deal

Mathieu Flamini is an influential figure for Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists contract negotiations with midfielder Mathieu Flamini are "on course" and expects him to sign a deal in April.

The 24-year-old France star is a free agent at the end of the season and has been linked with Inter Milan.

He is technically free to discuss terms with other clubs but Wenger expects him to commit himself to the Gunners.

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "We are on course. Negotiations are going well and we hope to sort that out in April."

Flamini came through the Marseille youth ranks but signed his first professional deal with Arsenal in 2004 and has developed into one of Wenger's most reliable performers.

Wenger admitted a year ago that he may have to let Flamini leave to get regular football, but he has gone on to become a fixture alongside Cesc Fabregas in Arsenal's midfield.