More confusing is the situation over Lauren's contract. It seems he's been offered only a 1 year extension. This is normal for a 30+ year old but Lauren's not quite 28 yet. While Wenger insists there's no lack of respect implied by the offer, it's hard to avoid the conclusion that Lauren's not in his long-term plans. We've learned to trust Wenger's long-term decisions, perhaps he's got faith in the promising Hoyte or has other plans. But as with Edu, it's this season we're concerned about. If Lauren doesn't sign and isn't picked as a result, we're going to be a bit short and a bit inexperienced in defence. While I have been one of those to refer to Lauren as a weak link at times in the past, this season it's been other more "world class" players who've had their dodgy spells, and problems elsewhere on the pitch mean that we could do with a bit of stability where we can get it. There's no denying he's got bags of big game experience. Is Hoyte ready for Bayern Munich or Real Madrid? Perhaps our new signing from Beveren, Emmanuel Eboue, is thought to be an option.

Danny Karbassyoon is said to be keen to extend his one month loan spell at Ipswich. He's been used twice (once from the bench)