He has been quoted in the Spanish press as saying that he has rejected 2 offers from Arsenal, but is hopeful of a third and would like to stay at Arsenal. Wenger has apparently confirmed this. But Edu has also been saying that Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are all special clubs that he'd like to play for. Oh, and Manchester United too. None of it leaves one with the impression that either the player or the club thinks of their relationship as anything special, and it'd be a surprise (a nice one, mind) if he ends up staying beyond the summer. Given the form of Flamini, and the possibility of Gilberto returning for the Champs League in February (that's his aim, it seems) it would be no surprise if Edu gets frozen out.

Meanwhile, talks with Lauren and Jermaine Pennant are said to be "in no-man's land". Pennant is presumably interested in playing a bit more often, and may be feeling aggrieved that he hasn't had more chances this season. Lauren hasn't had that problem, but it wouldn't be surprising if he wanted to go back to Spain at some point, and if Arsenal aren't pulling out the stops to keep him, it may be that they recognise that he's not quite in the same class as the rest of the outfield players. It may also be that Le Boss has big hopes for Justin Hoyte who has certainly looked very promising this season.