The Japan international has long been linked with a move to the Rossoneri and they have now confirmed the attacking midfielder will arrive at San Siro during the winter break

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed that CSKA Moscow attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda will join the club on a free transfer on January 3.

The Japan international was initially expected to join the Rossoneri ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, but the Serie A side ultimately failed to reach an agreement with their Russian rivals over a transfer fee.

However, Galliani announced on Wednesday that the 27-year-old Honda will make his belated arrival at San Siro during the upcoming winter break.

"Honda will be a Milan player per January 3 and will wear the No.10 jersey," Galliani told reporters.

"We can finally end the secrecy. The deal can be made official now.

"I do not know whether he will already be available on January 6 [against Atalanta] due to all the paperwork that will have to be sorted."

Honda started his professional career with Nagoya Grampus and also wore the VVV jersey before joining CSKA in January 2010.