The fact that Bale has been rumoured to be an Arsenal fan, together with the fact that his erstwhile teammate at Southampton Theo Walcott is at the Arsenal, seemed to add fuel to the rumour. But Wenger says he has sufficient promising youngsters in that position with Gael Clichy having already established himself as better than Ashley Cole, and Armand Traore impressing in his League Cup appearances. We would add that if a full-back crisis like last years were to happen, we do have proven back-up in William Gallas and Mathieu Flamini.

Still, it's hard to believe that Wenger wouldn't go for a player if he thought him good value and a worthwhile addition to the squad. We suspect that the underlying truth behind this is that Wenger knows that Bale's price is going to be inflated by hype and Britishness, and that he's simply not worth it. Wenger hints at this himself, saying, " the club who gets him will have a good deal - an expensive one but a good player".

It would go against form for Arsenal to get into a bidding war with Manchester United and Tottenham, as the rumour was saying. And what sense would it make when Wenger's scouting system will presumably unearth another French youngster at a fraction of the cost, if necessary? Poor kid's probably going to Spurs now.

Meanwhile Ryan Babel, the other player that everyone's been getting excited about has explained his appearance at Arsenal earlier in the month, saying that he was just in London on holiday and popped by to see fellow Holland international Robin van Persie. The winger, who some have been saying has the potential to be the next Thierry Henry (which means he's already the next Theo Walcott), has a contract with Ajax running till 2008, and says that he intends to extend it.

And, as expected, Le Boss has also confirmed that the injury to van Persie means that Jeremie Aliadiere, the most obvious like-for-like (if as yet still unproven) replacement in the Arsenal squad, will not be going anywhere this season.

"I did not want to let him go anyway, and I believe it is a good opportunity for him and someone like Julio Baptista to show how good they are. I believe that he will come through with some goals until the end of the season."

Aliadiere had attracted interest from Middlesbrough as well as French clubs St Etienne and Sochaux. The last of these are said to be turning their attention now to Alexandre Song, who Wenger admits he'd be happy to loan out in order to gain experience. The return of Abou Diaby and emergence of Denilson makes Song about 20th choice in central midfield, so if he's ever needed by us this season we might as well just give up.

ps. I considered giving this a headline something like "Wenger rules Bale out; Babel on linking". But it turns out none of my friends have even heard of Misty In Roots so I figured the chances of anyone appreciating a tortuous pun on the lyrics to their most famous Song were low. Oh well. If you like Reggae, get hold of Wise and Foolish. Damn it, did I just have a Myles Palmer moment?