A truly terrible headline. It’s late and it’s the best I could do. It’s not even an interesting piece of news but I had to fit something in, somehow.

Owen blah, Bale blah, Mavuba blah. Blah blah blah blah blah – that’s the size of things in the rumour stakes right now. We’re being linked with so many swoops it’s like a swallow’s convention but in truth the transfer business is playing second fiddle to retaining-players business, which is perhaps not surprising.

Today was the turn of Ade Cool, who signed the customary long-term contract and he follows in the footsteps of Eboue and Hoyte. Good news to have him tied down – 16 goals in 57 appearances is not bad, and anyway, he gives much more than goals to the side so it’s a good bit of business.

I can’t wait for the real business to begin though. Our closest rivals all look set to spend, and probably spend big, so Wenger’s moves in the market will be crucial and he knows that (hence the whole politician-like “Trust me and I will deliver” mantra).

There will be plenty of movement. Although we have good cover for our African players who will be absent for a month (Senderos or Djourou for Toure, Hoyte for Eboue, van Persie for Adebayor), it’s something we can’t ignore.

The Russians have noted this too by signing former Arsenal man Sid Well. How many games will he play with everyone else fit? Clearly he doesn’t much care.

Ta-ta.