A few of the papers have got their teeth into supposed quotes from Kanu's agent, Frank Seedoc, that the Nigerian could quit Highbury - like, today - if he doesn't get to play against Lyon tonight.

Quoted in the Express, Seedoc apparently said: 'I fear Kanu will not be picked against Lyon because Dennis Bergkamp and Sylvain Wiltord have both been making noises about being left out. If he does not play then the relationship is at an end.'

But Sports.com reckon they've spoken to Seedoc too, and he told them: 'I certainly never gave Arsenal any kind of ultimatum. I'm aware of his situation at Arsenal, he's under contract until 2004.'

It's one of those stories where, whether or not he actually did make a threat, it does make public the player's frustration - and alerts people like, oh - Real Madrid, maybe, to the fact that he might be up for grabs.