Having irritated the French and German FAs by nicking young talent, Arsene Wenger now seems to want to have a go at a few other national associations. Understandably enough, he is not keen to release players for friendlies at this crucial point in the domestic season.

Teamtalk says that Kanu has already been prevented from playing against Senegal next weekend, in an African Nations Cup match. 'It is being claimed,' they say, 'that he may not allow a quartet of Gunners stars to represent England in the friendly against Hungary on 28 April.'

Their obligatory quote from Le Boss reads: 'It is ridiculous to organise a friendly just before the end of the season and I am not sure that it will happen for my players. Because of the high wages which we pay and the pressure for success, it is difficult to let players go off for friendly games. I don't speak especially for Arsenal, but for all the leading clubs.'