France Football reported last week we are closely watching newly promoted Lille' s centre-back Pascal Cygan. The 26 year-old defender has been impressive in the top flight so far and is valued around the £5 million mark. FF said Arsenal sent scouts half a dozen times to watch him play and that West Ham too and two other unnamed english clubs are monitoring the lad.

Meanwhile the Arsenal players have been given a four day break prior to the North London derby. Sylvain Wiltord took the opportunity to get back in Paris to have dinner with his mate Anelka. Both current and former Gunners appear in a TV ad for some Danone dairy product.