ROME (AFP) - AC Milan have signed Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini on a four-year deal after capturing the Frenchman on a free transfer, the Italian giants announced Monday.

The 24-year-old turned down a new deal offered by Gunners manager Arsene Wenger prior to his contract running out at the end of the current season, meaning he heads to the reigning European champions for free.

Flamini arrived in Milan on Sunday and sailed through a medical Monday before putting pen to paper.

The former Marseille player came notably to Milan's notice when he played a major role in their elimination by Arsenal at the last 16 stage of this season's Champions League.

The Frenchman, who has only one international cap to his name from a friendly against Morocco, had this season come to be nicknamed "Gattuso" by his Arsenal teammates.

Ironically, the real Gattuso - industrious midfielder Gennaro - is one of Milan's key players.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani attempted to reassure fans however, saying: "Flamini is not here to replace Gattuso. He can play in any position in midfield."

Gattuso meanwhile placed a question mark over his Serie A future by saying last week he would love to play in the English Premier League.