So I’ve made a few notes, cross-checked a few things and I’m ready to start writing. In one way there is a lot to talk about today, various transfer rumours and a few bits of information that have been passed down to me, theres a feeling in my gut that this might be a very long post.

This blog isn’t really just about transfer speculation, there is other stuff I like to comment on too – but at this time of year it is kind of hard to ignore it. The same goes for information I receive, its published in confidence and though sometimes it may be wrong there are a number of occasions it has been shown to be right. Nothing and nobody can be right all the time.

Information came known to me yesterday that the bid Everton rejected for Phil Jagielka from Arsenal was as low as £6 million, as you can understand Everton laughed us off and were said to be insulted at the low valuation of the player whom they are asking over double that, £14 million, for. How do you react to that ?? Should we be encouraged that he is looking at bringing in a center-back or despair over the fact that he is looking to spend so little for a player he rates ?? Surely you bid what you think he is worth, in the current market £6 million would hardly buy you Titus Bramble, and no disrespect to the player, he is hardly Champions League material is he. Is is but a fairly solid center-back. However, late last night I was assured that we are still interested in him, strongly.

It sounds a very familiar situation to the one facing Mark Schwarzer, Fulham want a very steep £4 million for him when we offer £2 million; yes he isn’t worth that but the club don’t seem overly keen to break a sweat to try and fix what is a very weak, badly organised and error prone defence. Going back with a second offer does not suddenly make us Barcelona-like in our transfer conduct, it doesn’t make the club hypocrites all of a sudden, there is a whole load of difference between us going back with another offer than getting our players to unsettle the guy to screw Fulham over for a lower transfer fee as he has Champions League football flashed in his face. I’m not questioning the motives of the manager, or the board, but there has been very little ambition so far in this transfer window. I stress, so far.

I believe I have mentioned before that it may very well be Mark Schwarzer or bust in the goalkeeping situation, the club have been glancing around and looking at other keepers but there aren’t that many on the market right now, there was Eduardo (not Da Silva), who was considered quite strongly but we moved too slowly and he was already in deep negotiations with an Italian club.

Interestingly; Manuel Almunia was left out of yesterday’s squad despite being fit to play – proven by the fact that he has been in full training with the rest of the squad out in Austria. If you are one for clutching at straws it could be a signal he is on his way out of the club, he is said to be a bit peeved at the way the Schwarzer situation is dragging out and is after regular football, he wants assurances and I don’t think he got them.

I also think I should draw your attention to this tweet aimed at me, claiming Schwarzer is close to joining.

There was some kerfuffle over some comments made by Samir Handanovic’s agent yesterday along the lines of “Arsenal don’t want to spend any money on a goalkeeper” – its trouble stirring in my opinion, quite how he would know of our transfer plans I don’t know. That is unless he is a part time covert Ninja who went rooting around in Wenger’s desk draws – that would explain it.

I feel we really do need at least two more signings, three to be able to sit there comfortably on the first day of the season and believe we are in with a real chance. The news on both the options we are interested in above was positive so hopefully it is a sign that everything is getting into gear and the cheque-book is getting re-opened after its visit to France to pick up Laurent Koscielny. Of course, Sol Campbell is still due for those talks with the boss and if he returns that is possibly three players. We would be nigh-on sorted.

So, yesterday we had the second game of the pre-season and whilst as usual it was a glorified training game we learnt a few things. Samir Nasri looks very hungry and eager to prove a point after being omitted from the France World Cup squad, his first goal was a delightful quick footed finish from the edge of the area after the ball bounced back off Marouane Chamakh. His second was a delightful free-kick that nestled right in the corner after going over the wall and dipping beautifully.

Half time brought a raft of subs and on came J.E.T and Henri Lansbury – both impressed greatly and the latter got the third goal with a smart finish, started and finished in the reserves. Lansbury is a player with enormous potential but this pre-season he looks bulkier and a much more rounded player, he is fine going forward and ok sitting back too, his fate for next season remains unknown, as with J.E.T who has so much natural talent. Pace, power, acceleration, strength – he seems to be one of those hit and miss players, hopefully he becomes more consistent because he has amazing physical attributes. He also likes driving Mclaren Mercedes without a driving license !!

Jack Wilshere was very lively yesterday too, at one point he flew into a tackle just like you would expect a Bolton player too, he has obviously been taking tips. He does like to put himself around despite his size and whilst it is a good thing, he will pick up cards. His tacking needs to improve a bit.

One thing I just wanted to mention is the reception Arsenal fans are giving to newly-departed striker Eduardo. There hasn’t been a bad word said about him and it just goes to show how highly he was thought of, a top guy and a top player – its just a shame it happened to him. Like I have said before I wish him the best of luck and hope he returns to the form that got our attention in the first place, I’m sure he will fire and get goals.

Good luck Eddie.

til next time.