Flamini out, is Hleb next, and who will replace them?

Mathieu Flamini has signed with the Italian giant - AC Milan leaving North London. After a season where the Frenchman has come to his own, playing the role of holding/defensive midfielder for Arsenal. After being stuck at right back out of necessity, and allowing Arsenal to make a run to the Champion's League finals, his game moved to another level forcing Wenger to push Gilberto to the bench. Rather than signing Flamini, Wenger let his contract to run out and now he must allow the player he developed to walk away for nothing.

Might another Arsenal midfielder also be on his way to Milan, but to the black and blue - Hleb. This is not a good direction for a club that is already thin, painfully demonstrated this season as the Gunners crashed out of the Premiership race as well as the Champions League after starting both competitions so promisingly. With other rumors of Hleb following the Frenchman out of town what does this mean for Arsenal and their midfield? And will Wenger open up the purse strings this off season? Here are some options that Arsenal should look at -

Tiago - The Portuguese has found himself in no mans land in Serie A. After a few good seasons at Lyon the move to the Old Lady proved to be a step backwards. Will he be tempted to go back to London and see if he can rebuild his career under the red of Arsenal? Tiago would fill the need for holding midfielder vacated by Flamini. I am sure he would jump at the chance to get out of Juventus and back to London.

Sessegnon - The young Benin midfielder has been a revelation in Ligue 1 this season and already counts 8 international caps. Wenger is the master of poaching his native land for players that are on the verge of stardom. The rumor has already been written about on Gunner blogs - http://thegoonerforum.wordpress.com/2008/05/04/stephane-sessegnon-to-replace-flamini/
Le Mans has been on the surprise teams in Ligue 1 and much can be attributed to players like Matsui and Sessengon. The defensive midfielder has also chipped in with 5 goals this season. At 23 he could be on the verge of stardom, could he reach that level at the Emirates?

Gattuso - It is a nice rumor to see the Italian pit bull coming back to London to replace Flamini. However, I am not sure the pit bull will find his way to England, I think Wenger will not look to spend money on a player he might see on the back 9 of his career.

Mavuba - The highly touted French midfielder found his career in a bit of a tail spin after he left Ligue 1 for Spain and Villareal. He has been seen as the replacement for Makelele in the French midfield. While he has demonstrated flashes of this level he needs to be more consistent. Not sure if he will head back to Spain, stay at Lille or maybe look for a complete change of scenery.

Gourcuff - One of the players touted as the next "zidane" has been lost on the bench at AC Milan. Prior to moving to Italy the rumors were rampant that he would end up in North London. The latest thinking is that he might end up back in France with Olympique Marseilles. Yet, it Wenger shows interest might he decide to go to the Gunners? Realizing the reputation Wenger has to turning around players and making them internationals. Plus he would be much less expensive than he would have been a few years back.

Diego - A wild card, but lots of heat around the Brazilian leaving Germany for one of the big three leagues, the most likely destination seems to be Real Madrid....but what if Wenger decides to jump in and lure the creative midfielder to the Emirates. He would add creativity and flair to the midfield, and would make a formidable duo with Cesc. Main problem, he would not add much size to the squad.

Nasri - Another "Next Zidane" the young midfielder from OM is seen as the heir apparent to run the midfield for Les Bleus. Could he be had? I think he could, but it will a long shot. The player from OM that Wenger wanted was Ribery and we all know where he ended up. Maybe a target for Wenger in 2 seasons but not for the next campaign.

Pjanic - The young Bosnian - Luxumbourgious player is a rising star for Metz. With Metz heading down to Ligue 2 next season the rumors are rife that he will not be long for another team. His father is said to be pushing the youngster to stay in France, but would a call from the "professor" change his mind?

Just a few options that Wenger might be interested in, of course had he held on to Diarra I think he would not be overly concerned with finding a replacement for Flamini...or had he just signed Flamini when he had the chance....Let us all hope that Wenger opens the purse strings and adds some experience and talent to his midfield. Arsenal will need it to contend next season.