So far he's been restricted to a couple of friendlies and a couple of late substitute appearances in the League Cup. But the latter is nothing to be sniffed at given the amazing strength in depth which has become evident in his position in particular.

That strength, with Gilberto, Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini, Abou Diaby, and Denilson all vying for places (well, as things stand it's the last 3 vying for places as cover for the first 2) not to mention the likes of Tomas Rosicky and Julio Baptista who like to play in the middle in a more attacking role, means that Randall's unlikely to get much action next season either.

Basically, he's a prime candidate for a loan spell next season. Obvious possibilities are Beveren (the Belgian club with whom we're said to have rekindled our relationship) and Birmingham (who have done rather well with 3 of our lads this season). But maybe he'll go to Colorado Arsenal. That's what's said to be the planned new name for Colorado Rapids, the American MLS team. And they're the club that's owned by Stan Kroenke, the American billionaire who Arsenal are said to be talking to about some kind of partnership.

Kroenke made his money in property, then by investing in sports. He has teams in basketball (Denver Nuggets), ice hockey (Colorado Avalanche), and gridiron (St Louis Rams), as well as the Rapids. What, no Baseball?

Although plenty of people will be saying that this signals the beginning of the end of British ownership for the Arsenal, there is currently no suggestion that our major shareholders are looking to sell. In fact it looks more like they're looking for ways to expand into the states without having to sell.