Young Irishman Graham Barrett is to spend a month on Dario Gradi's quality-youngster-production-line at Crewe Alexandra. A statement at Arsenal.com says he will 'hopefully gain some first team experience' - and, thankfully, doesn't use the dreaded words 'with a view to a permanent move'.

In the past, such news items usually prompted howls of despair as another promising youngster left Highbury. But the example of Ashley Cole goes to show exactly what can be achieved with such moves. It's interesting to note how much more common loan deals are these days, perhaps thanks to the arrival of foreign managers?

Speaking of loans... we still can't see any confirmation of Jermaine Pennant's loan move to Preston North End, as mentioned earlier in the week. But they may be awaiting developments with current star striker Jon Macken, who put in a transfer request last week.