"I can confirm that Arsenal made a substantial offer for Richard Wright on the basis of which the board have given permission for Richard to speak to Arsenal about personal terms. We understand that these talks are now taking place" says Sheepshanks.

As always, personal terms are likely to include a discussion about how many games he'd be likely to get next season. It's hard to see Wright's claims to an England jersey being helped by being number 2 to the incumbent at club level. Mind you, maybe he'll feel that being heir apparent at club level will be an advantage in the long run.

And there's this:

"If Richard was ever going to leave Ipswich Town, we knew Arsenal was his preferred choice.

"When he signed his new three-year contract this summer we agreed with him that if Arsenal made an acceptable approach then we would not stand in his way."

Sheepshanks goes on to explain (to placate Ipswich fans) that this agreement was made because otherwise Wright wouldn't have signed the new contract at all, and they'd have lost him for nothing. If Wright's really that keen on the Gunners, who's to say they won't be able to make him an acceptable offer?

Don't expect an announcement too soon. According to Soccernet Wright is on holiday until the end of the month, they also quote Sheepshanks as saying that Wright won't have a medical at Arsenal until early July.

In case anyone is left in any doubt as to Wright's credentials as a potential Arsenal player... never mind his playing ability checkj out this quote from his agent, Jonathan Barnett, "Richard is an Ipswich fan but always wanted to play for Arsenal, who he sees as being the best club in the world."

Now, can anyone think of a chant we could use for Mr Wright? ;>

Nothing from Arsenal on this, naturally. But there is these quotes form David Dein on the official site, where he says that more signings are likely. "I think the Arsenal credit card is on meltdown at the moment - but we'll keep it recharged."

He's also commented on the Campbell situation, acknowledging that Campbell is "spoilt for choice", and that we may not know his decision until the start of July.