Whilst channel-hopping after BBC1's highlights from Highbury of Arsenal's demolition of 10-man Nantes, Arseweb's eye was grabbed by the front page of tomorrow (Friday)'s Guardian newspaper - and its story that media groups Carlton and United News & Media are to merge.

The Arsenal connection? Those two firms were the media firms said to be interested in buying a stake in the Gunners. Carlton initially confirmed an interest, but later announced they weren't bothered - perhaps due to Arseweb's own campaign at their refusal to televise Arsenal's Champions League games in the London area. UNM were then thought to be in line - but things seem to have gone quiet on that one.

Putting the two together would seem to make a firm bid more likely, if either firm has any real interest in the future of televised football. If they don't, then frankly it's only a matter of time until BSkyB nabs a 9.9% stake in everyone, us included.