ARSENAL have been linked with AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso after the Italian giants secured the services of Mathieu Flamini.

The Guardian reported that the combative midfielder is eager for a new challenge, and with his place in the side potentially under threat following the Frenchman's arrival, Arsenal may prove a viable option.

The 30-year-old would not be an obvious target for Arsene Wenger, as his policy on older players is well-known, after agreeing to sell the likes of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry when he believed them to have passed their sell-by date.

Gattuso's wage demands would also pose difficulties for the French manager, as he is notoriously shrewd with his money, illustrated by his refusal to match Milan's offer for Flamini.