If he passes their medical, Ray will be joining Boro in a 3 year deal costing them about £1.7m. Parlour's agent Steve Kutner is quoted as saying, "It pays Arsenal a substantial amount subject to appearances and Ray is taking a substantial pay cut in return for signing a three-year contract".

One can see why the move would attract Parlour. He shouldn't have any trouble holding down a place, something that has been harder and harder at Arsenal given the strength of our squad and the premium that the boss puts on speed and skill. Steve McLaren can be expected to reward Parlour tenacious qualities more readily. Boro will be in Europe next season, and have already bolstered their squad with some interesting signings in Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Michael Reiziger.

It'll be very sad to see him go.