Flamini, the France midfielder, has been given until the end of the month to decide whether to sign a contract or leave on a free transfer in the summer.

Wenger wants the 24-year-old in his midfield next season but whether he gives Gallas the armband again is another matter after the skipper's leadership came under scrutiny during Arsenal's recent collapse.

Gallas, 30, was not in his own half when Birmingham scored a last-gasp penalty at St Andrews in February, then he reacted to the 2-2 draw by lashing out at an advertising board.

He has also been outspoken about team-mate Theo Walcott and was recently highlighted by pundits for a lack of communication with his team-mates.

When he conceded a penalty against Manchester United last Sunday and Cristiano Ronaldo scored, Arsenal's hopes of silverware this season evaporated.

When asked whether Gallas would be captain next season, Wenger replied: "I cannot answer that question at the moment. I want to analyse the season after the season. At the moment he will be my captain until the end of the season.

"I believe he has learned a lot this year and I can only say that his commitment and desire to do well was exceptional.

"I made that decision and I have to stand up for that decision, I have to protect the team and the individuals as well at the moment.

"They get criticised and maybe we deserve critics at the moment but overall the team has made good progress this year."

Among the candidates to take over would be Cesc Fabregas, despite his age, or Kolo Toure, despite being a quieter member of the squad.

Given his performances this season, Flamini could be an option if he agrees to a new deal.

"We are getting close to yes or no," Wenger said.

"He says he wants to stay and I believe him. But as long as he has not signed, for me he is free to sign where he wants.

"We have set ourselves a target until the end of the month of April to finalise the situation, one way or the other.

"That's an absolute deadline because afterwards we have to make decisions because if you have to move on the market you don't have much time left."

Flamini, who is struggling to be fit for the game against Reading this weekend, has to agree to a deal within Arsenal's wage structure, as will any signings over the summer.

Valencia striker David Villa recently spoke of his admiration for Arsenal but Wenger insisted he was not in the market for the Spain international.

Wenger wants to keep the current squad together and feels it is his defence rather than his attack that would be a priority if he is to bolster.

"That's my first target, to keep the team together," said the Frenchman. "We want to continue to respect our wages structure because I feel that is very important."

Wenger, in response to Villa's comments, added: "He made a big compliment to the team.

"We have many requests from players who want to join. But I feel up front I need to give time to (Theo) Walcott and (Nicklas) Bendtner because they have made big improvement for me this season.

"Theo is coming on so I need to give them a chance or they will not come out."

An example of Arsenal's weakness at the back was Philippe Senderos at Liverpool in the Champions League, where he was at fault for two of the goals.

Wenger admitted he needed to console the defender after his performance.

He added: "He has had a lot of critics. He had two outstanding games against AC Milan home and away and then Sunday he was not good any more for anything."