Lauren does not say he will come out of his (extremely early) international retirement on a permanent basis. But, perhaps significantly, he does not rule it out either.

Lauren's compatriot Samuel Eto'o has dropped heavy hints that he expects to leave Real Mallorca in the transfer window. Arsene Wenger is believed to be an admirer (who isn't?), and is thought by some to be considering buying a striker or two in the window.

The Lauren connection could work in our favour, along with the prospect of playing alongside Theirry Henry. But let's not get too excited. Eto'o is the kind of player whose availability could spark the kind of auction that Arsenal just don't have the cahs to participate in.