AC Milan have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini on a four-year contract — but the club expect to miss out on Chelsea's Didier Drogba.

Flamini is out of contract with the Gunners at the end of the season and today agreed to join the Italian club in a deal which will begin on July 1st.

Milan have also been strongly linked with Chelsea striker Drogba in Europe but Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida does not anticipate the Ivory Coast forward joining Flamini at the San Siro this summer.

He said: "Drogba is a very interesting player that many clubs would want to have but he is under contract at Chelsea and I believe he will remain at Chelsea next season."

As for France international Flamini, Braida revealed Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is a great admirer of the 24-year-old.

"I have to say Flamini was a player that Ancelotti really wanted and Milan is like a family, where decisions are made jointly," he said.

Arsenal had hoped Flamini would agree a deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, but they always knew it would be difficult with outfits like Juventus and Milan coveting the player.

"Flamini is not an unknown player," said Braida. "Just like Didier Drogba isn't. I'm not surprised by his talent and I assume several teams would have wanted his services.

"Although no negotiations are ever easy, it wasn't difficult to convince Flamini to join Milan. Flamini has made a choice as his contract with Arsenal is coming to an end and we are delighted he has chosen Milan.

"He is a very good player and he can offer a lot to the team."

Flamini expressed his joy at the move after finalising terms with the Serie A outfit.

"I am extremely happy. Thanks a million," he said.