First there's the little matter of today's Brasilian cup final between São Paulo and Cruizero. There are also World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Argentina on 18th and 26th July which, according to the São Paulo site, could delay things. Edmilson has been called up for the first time, replacing the dropped Aldair. Neither Silvinho nor Edu make the squad for which, given the timing of the matches, we should be grateful. See official Brasil site. If the suggestion is that the medical is now to be postponed until after these games, we've got to wait practically a full month.

Incidentally, the official Brasil site lists Edmilson as a "full-back". We suspect this is a mistranslation, since Aldair is also described thus while eg Cafu is a "right defender". Our understanding is that Edmilson is a right-sided central defender, but very versatile with it. The Brazilian Gilles Grimandi! By the way, it's easy to see where the misunderstanding came in. Does anyone know why we call flank defenders "full backs"?

Of course, until Arsenal comment one should resist getting too excited anyway. But the rumour for a while has been that Arsenal were trying to land Edmilson (going back to 13th June) and he does look to be the perfect Wenger target (see also newsreel from 28th June). Work-permit issues were said to be holding things up which suggests he's not got a Portuguese passport like Edu. Maybe the fact that he's now got the inevitable International call-up will make things easier.

Arsène Wenger said the other day that we'd be making one more signing, and it makes sense for it to be a defender. If so, whither Wiltord? (and the rest)

Thanks to Charles for the São Paulo website spot.