Do do do we've got Thomas Vermaelen

Hi all, please accept my profuse apologies for the lack of posting recently. I've had exams and other miserable excuses for trying to get my concentration away from Arsenal. As I'm sure you're all aware by now, we recently signed Thomas 'Tommy Boy Vermaelen' Vermaelen from Ajax. The fee is thought to be around the £10m mark, and it's a good capture if you ask me (which you probably don't). The centre back was captain of Ajax last season at the age of 23. Ajax, although in a slight slump at the moment from past great teams, is still a good team, and being the captain shows he must have excellent leadership qualities. In his first interview (available on youtube) he also states he is a physical player. That's very much needed, although being a centre back one would assume he is physical. Let's hope he means more physical than the norm. His height appears to fluctuate between 5'11 and 6'1. His official height is apparently 6'. I don't think we should get carried away with all the height malarchy. Let's remember that Abou Diaby is 12 ft 3 yet as soon as the ball approaches his head he let's out a stifled cry and runs as far away as possible.

I hope Wenger gives him the number 6 instead of some silly number. Of course the question is what will happen to the part-time nightclub bouncer now that Milan aren't interested and if we can't get rid of him. 28 appears to be available now Bischoff looks like he's leaving, and Kolo used to have that. Dave said to me the other day he hopes if Senderos stays, he'd be given the number 18. Implying that Fish head should be sold. I hope to god Silvestre does leave, but I have a nasty feeling that it's not going to happen.

Talking of Senderos, there have been rumours flying about that he could be used (along with plenty of cash) to agree a deal with Fiorentina where Felipe Melo would come to Ashburton. Melo has come out with the standard, I want to commit myself to my current contract chit-chat, but to be honest everyone says that. Apart from Ronaldo. God i'll be glad if i don't have to see his drag queen face in the premiership again. But anyway I digress. Melo is a tidy defensive midfielder with a crunching challenge, and an excellent long pass. 'Just what we need' I hear you shout. Yes but only if Arsene were that simple. From watching the Confederations cup it's easy to see why le Boss is interested in Melo, if indeed he is.

That brings me nicely to Cescy boy. He was very impressive in Spain's first game of the confederations cup bagging a goal and an assist. He was everywhere on the park (stats showed he covered the most distance by the end) and was clearly enjoying himself. He missed the second game against Iraq apparently because in training Xabi Alonso took him out again. Steady on Xabi, some may start saying that you're jealous 'cause Fabregas just walked into the Spanish squad at the age of 18, and you're still not quite a regular in the starting XI. (That said, I think Alonso is a fantastic player). In the latest game against South Africa, with Spain already qualified, Cesc once again played the whole match, but couldn't quite get into the game, coming in off the right flank. He started off trying hard to get into the game, but eventually gave up and had a lazy kind of game. It was only at the end when Pablo Hernandez came on and got moved to the right, that Cesc could move into the centre and strut his stuff. Still it's nice to see an Arsenal player playing this summer. Let's hope he's not too tired by the beginning of pre-season training.

Walcott and Gibbs have also been playing. Gibbsy has been taking many plaudits for his performances at left back, with Walcott receiving less praise. Walcott still proved his undoubted talent, when coming off the bench against Spain, he provided a superb assist to James Milner.

That's all for today. The articles will be more plentiful now, probably almost daily. I've only got one exam left and I really don't care about it.
'Til next time Gooners.