If Cole stays fit then Gio's chances at Arsenal will be limited in his favoured left-back position, and Pires Ljungberg and Edu all look to be ahead of him in the pecking order for the left midfield slot. Gio is said to have been warned by Holland coach Dick Advocaat that he needs to be playing first team football if he wants to make his squad for Euro 2004. And, realistically, that first-team action probably needs to be at left-back.

With Luzhny gone, and Toure appearing to settle in at centre-back, allowing Cole's cover to leave could be seen as a vote of confidence in summer signing Gael Clichy. And letting Barca have Gio could also help to smooth things over regarding the "poaching" of Cesc Fabregas