Stuff from the Official Grapevine

Not much in the way of gossip, save for a few things from officialdom.

First, Cesc: "I think that some people are just trying to make mischief but my intentions are very clear. I am happy here at Arsenal, my future is with Arsenal and the priority is to achieve success and win trophies at Arsenal."

Second, Abou: (Talking about playing in the centre of midfield) “I hope so because I prefer central more than left or right. It is a possibility for me to play central. But we’ll see afterwards."

Finally, Mohawk Billy: “You want to be the best captain and give good advice to your players, but sometimes you can make mistakes as well. This season I know what I’m going to do and I know I am ready to change my way of speaking to the players.”

Looks like the entire squad's having a come-to-Jesus moment, but the funniest must be Mohawk's. I mean, how was he speaking to the players last season? Does crying count? Is that his way of saying that he shouldn't have cried and stormed off the pitch at St Andrews?

But whatever. We can move on. I'm going to have my own come-to-Jesus moment and say that okay Billy, we trust you. You will now, this season, become the man that you have always tried to be. I really really think we need reinforcements elsewhere, not in midfield, so this may just be another figment of someone's imagination.

There's talk now that we're seriously in the running for Gokhan Inler. Do we really need a midfielder? What does this mean for poor ole Abou then, who's been given a nice healthy boost to his ego from Rosicky too:

"I think that Diaby will be given a big chance to play often in Flamini's position. He was playing on the left when I was injured, but he is more a centre midfielder, the same type like Patrick Vieira. I expect a lot from him as I know from training that it is difficult to play against him."

I think so too. The dude is classic. In a team of passers, he's the one sometimes of over-playing while on the ball. So please, pass it every now and then, and I'm sure you'll start looking more like Paddy Vieira too.

Before moving on to non-Arse related news, there's of course the little issue of our 10-2 win over Bluhbluhbluhburgerblusterland FC. Bendtner got four, and Vela got three - mighty nice, despite the fact that it's an irrelevant friendly. It must be like Tiger Woods going out on the ole pitch and putt and getting a couple of holes-in-one. Great for the confidence eh?

So on to transfer joke of the season: Robbie Keane to Pool. What an absolutely shockingly pissy bit of business that is on the part of Rafa. What is he thinking? Couldn't get enough of Craig Bellamy? £20.3m for that piece of Spurs shite? Stupid idiots at Anfield, they are. Well good on them. I'm sure Keane-Torres will be like such a house on fire. Not. And what more, and I'm sure the Pool fans will love this. Looks like that piece of wet soggy crap's gonna take the #7 shirt too. Dalglish, Keegan, now (Robbie) Keane. Just perfect.

Alrighty. Enough of Robbie Keane at dinner time. Ciao. Mustn't lose my appetite.