The Frenchman is yet to feature for the Gunners this season with Francis Coquelin Arsene Wenger's first choice holding midfielder.

And the Daily Mail say Flamini has been told he is free to leave the Emirates Stadium as he is surplus to requirements.

Galatasaray had been linked with the 31-year-old earlier this summer but they will be unable to sign him as the Turkish transfer window closed last night.

And Flamini's £60,000-a-week wages could prove to be a stumbling block to Wenger's attempt to move him on.

Flamini returned for a second spell at Arsenal in 2013 after five years at AC Milan and is in the final 12 months of his contract.

ON THE WAY OUT: Arsenal are trying to offload Mathieu Flamini

He first joined the club in 2004 and spent four years with Wenger's men, during which time he earned three France caps.

It appears Wenger's stance on Flamini's future at the Emirates has changed in recent weeks, having said last month he expected him to remain at the club.

"I expect him to be here in September," Wenger said on August 14.

"I spoke to him. At the moment he is not involved but he has no intention of leaving.

"He will be involved at some stage. He works very hard and his intention is to stay."