This is confirmed by an interview with Richard Clarke in the Highbury + Islington Express, although the Grimster's actual words leave open the possibility that he'll hang around another season.

"I know what I want and I will take a decision them," he said. "Arsenal is a big, big club with a lot of important players. It is not always easy to play. My contract runs out at the end of the season and I don't know what is going to happen."

As Clarke points out, there is not going to be the outcry about this that there would be if Vieira left Arsenal. Grimandi has split Arsenal fans in much the way Ray Parlour does. Because they're less skilful than Henry, Bergkamp, etc al, they're seen by some as "mere" sloggers.

On the other hand, these are players that can be guaranteed to give their all, and they're not half as talentless as many make out. Before Wenger, Vieira, Pires, etc we'd have thought him one of our best midfielders (put up against Jensen, Hiller, etc). Grimandi is an intelligent man who knows his place in the squad and does not complain. We hope he stays. Why not?

Thanks to Damian & Ed from the excellent Grimster site for the tip-off. Apparently that site and their Ooh Arr Ray Parlour one are both down temporarily while their hosts do some unexpected maintenance, but both sites hould be back up early in February.