Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects Mathieu Flamini to make a decision on his future by Monday.
The 24-year-old French midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and AC Milan and Juventus are believed to be keen on signing him.
Wenger had previously expected the former Marseille man to sign a contract extension by 30 April.
But he said: "It will be sorted out over the weekend. Will he stay or not? That is down to him."
Flamini has been sidelined with a heel injury since 10 April but could make his comeback against Everton on Sunday.
Wenger said the Frenchman is free to make his own choice about where his future lies.
"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," Wenger said.
"Ideally I want him to stay, but he's free. You can decide to sign where you want."
The Frenchman also reiterated he was not about to splash the cash in pursuit of silverware.
Wenger has come under pressure to bring in big-money signings, with Arsenal, who have a smaller squad than many of their rivals, once again set to finish the season without a trophy.
"We have £360m debt and we have to respect the wages structure or we will go bust, it is as simple as that," Wenger said.
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"That means in 10 years it still should work; that the club works with its income and not with somebody who comes in by parachute into your court and brings you a huge amount of money.
"For me that's not workable and not morally right. Every company should work with its natural resources, because if this guy dies what do you do? You still have to pay the players. I just feel we are not Chelsea.
"When we have paid our debt back we work with higher resources. At the moment we work with what we have."
Meanwhile, Wenger admitted his surprise at the news Keith Edelman was leaving his post as managing director to seek a "fresh challenge".
Wenger said: "We didn't expect that and I don't know why [he is leaving].
"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."
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