With Fabregas’ future as undecided as a kleptomaniac in a silverware cupboard, rumours are abound the Wenger is eyeing up a sneaky swoop for Everton’s Spanish playmaker. 

The transfer market is eerily quiet at the moment, so perhaps this stems simply from bone-idle journalists inventing/re-hashing stories to fill a few column inches, but I would like to think the club does have a sensible contingency plan in place for our captain’s inevitable departure.  If it’s not this season we wave goodbye to Cesc, then it’s most certainly going to be the next. With only Nasri seeming capable of occupying the playmakers role in his absence, it wouldn’t hurt to have one or two more options in the present – although, it’s far from essential. 

I like Arteta, when fully fit he’s always looked a class act at either Rangers or currently with Everton. He may be older than our usual signing at 28, but he’d make for a good short-term solution to bridge the gap until Ramsey or Wilshire are able to take the reins.

Other news has the asking price for Emir Spahic being quoted at the £8.5 million mark, which isn’t as bloated as it’s being made out to be when you consider how much Man City payed for a player as downright fucking average as Lescott.  The rumour itself took a turn for the unlikely when reports suggested that his coach at Montpellier was completely unaware of any proposed talks, although it does appear to be gathering a lot of pace at the moment and I’m inclined to believe it.

As a player, I’ve heard little or nothing about him, so it’s impossible to judge whether or not he’d be a welcome addition. Wenger’s unearthed enough diamonds in his time for my faith to be with him. Along as he’s not another Cygan, that we can do without.

New Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is itching to make his first appearance in the Premier League later this month.

The Frenchman, acquired from French side Lorient for £8.5 million this summer, formed an impressive partnership with Thomas Vermaelen in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against AC Milan in the Emirates Cup.

Koscielny also made a late appearance in the 3-2 victory over Celtic that helped the Gunners win the Emirates Cup.

Despite the triumph in the pre-season competition, Koscielny admitted that it is nothing compared to what his Premier League debut will feel like.

"In France I watched the Premier League a lot,” Koscielny told The Sun.

“It is a very physical league, with a fast and intense pace. I used to follow the big four of English football — Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

"I love the atmosphere here with the supporters. Even when you lose, the supporters are always behind you to lift you and take you to a higher level."

It didn’t take long for new Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh to become a fan favourite as he was by far one of the best players during last week’s Emirates Cup.

Speaking to the Official Matchday Programme, the Moroccan explained how he was always attracted by Arsenal’s style of football and how the club’s long history of winning trophies together with manager Arsene Wenger and the number of French players in the squad saw him leave Bordeaux and accept the offer made by the Gunners.

Impressive against A.C. Milan on Saturday, the 26-year old said how his favourite position on the pitch is in the middle of the offensive department alongside another striker although he did say how playing alone up front is also an option.

The striker concluded by saying how he likes to work for the team, reason why he doesn’t see himself as a selfish striker. He also said how scoring goals is of course an objective, but not an obsession.

Ahead of the new season, Chamakh said:

Quote:

Arsenal play nice, attractive football with short passes, on the floor, lots of pass and move. Every player in the world wants to play like that and Arsenal, like Barcelona, provide you with this philosophy. I won’t have any trouble to fit in the style of play. To me, the image [of Arsenal] was of a fantastic club with an amazing stadium, a great manager, a long history of winning trophies, lots of French players and of a certain way of playing football. It’s a club that has always made me dream. It is the place where I wanted to be and the shirt I wanted to wear more than any other. My favourite position is up front with another striker as I think I can complement another forward perfectly. However, I can play on my own as well and drift on the right or the left and I will do what the boss asks me. I love scoring goals and it’s my job but I am not obsessed with it. I am not what you would call a very selfish striker. I am very collective in my game. I love playing for the team, work hard for the team and help to make other people shine too.

Cesc Fabregas is back at the Arsenal. Our Spanish midfielder, the subject of massive speculation that he is on his way to boyhood idols Barcelona, has been training with the squad at the Emirates in today's open day.

Cesc was given a rapturous welcome from the supporters as he came out on to the pitch. He waved to the fans as they chanted 'We've got Cesc Fabregas'.

It was reported this morning that AW wanted Fabregas to end the transfer speculation with a public statement, following the example of his Spain team-mate Fernando Torres.

AW has spoken personally to Fabregas, reports suggest, since he won the World Cup with Spain and remains certain that our skipper will stay at the Emirates. We await any such statement from Cesc.

One player convinced he will stay is Theo Walcott. He said: "Cesc is a big player so I'm looking forward to playing with him next season. He's one of those players who spots a ball no one else would. I've been texting him. I sent my congratulations for the World Cup and said what a great pass he made for the winner.

"After that he just needed a good mental break from it all. I'm looking forward to seeing him back, he's a fantastic player for us and our captain. After Spain's victory it's a nice bonus to have a World Cup winner by your side."

Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey got a big cheer as he entered the field of play.