Alex Oxlade Chamberlain telling the ball to heel
Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain, another "wide eyed wide player" who Arsene Wenger has chased for 17 of his 18 years of existence is on the verge of joining Arsenal after undergoing a medical. He is from Theo Walcott's former club Southampton and has similar attributes to Theo which sort of makes him redundant. He comes all said and done at a price tag £10m. Not exactly cheap and not exactly a priority.
Joel Campbell, the Costa Rican striker whose transfer was in doubt a few weeks ago because his father never showed up for a meeting in San Jose should also join this week.
With Thomas Vermaelen picking up another knock ahead of Saturday's fixture against Newcastle one would assume in a perfectly logical world that Wenger's focus would be a centre back and not another young forward player. Arsenal have been linked to Gary Cahill , Christopher Samba, Phil Jagielka, and now Scott Dann but it's only Jagielka probably the toughest out of the lot to extricate for whom there's been an actual offer.
There are reports that Arsenal sent a scout to check on Cahill and Dann in their pre-season friendlies but as Arseblog pointedly points out what is the point? What will we learn that we've not learned before? These players are not exactly waiting to be discovered.
Vermaelen's injury is not the only worrying one and it is not even March yet. RVP, Theo Walcott, and Kieran Gibbs, three players with perennially delicate constitutions are doubtful for the season opener. Gibbs's absence would be particularly worrisome because Armando Traore, his back up exposes the lack of depth at left back. Luis Enrique was briefly linked to Arsenal after Clichy's departure became imminent but it was wishful thinking.
Jack Wilshere's ankle sprain which will keep him out for two weeks has sparked a row between Fabio Capello and Wenger. That is because Joey Barton's availability on a free has made less of impression on Capello than his serial killer proclivities. The thought of Nigel de Jong and Barton going all Animal Farm on each other is quite unappetizing.
If after this news you feel a sudden feeling a surge in optimism then get yourself checked. You might be ready for Broadmoor.
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