Meanwhile Atalanta are said to be claming a bid from Arsenal for their keeper Andrea Consigli, but say they're confident of hanging onto him. Could be the usual nonsense of course, particularly as Wenger has said he's not lookign to sign another keeper right now. But that statement may have been referring to the first team positions, whereas Consigli is an U18 international and would be more one for the future.

Meanwhile the quotes from Edu are as mixed as ever. He's "happy with the interest from Barca" and would love to play alongside Ronaldinho. But he doesn't want us to think he's aiming for a move, "I'll continue belonging to Arsenal and want to play if I'm fit". Seems he's a bit taken aback by the idea that he'd be dropped from consideration if he doesn't sign a new contract. Perhaps he didn't notice what happened to Wiltord last season. Arsene Wenger wants the players on the pitch to have their hearts fully behind the cause, and for that we applaud him and the timing of his making the point this time round. We saw a bit more heart on the pitch on Tuesday than of late.