Reports are emerging in the tabloids that Arsene has agreed the terms of his new Contract. The Express reports that it is a three year extension, keeping him at the Club until 2011 at a rate of £3m per year, in case you were interested, and as Arsene said last week, devoid of any escape clauses and will be welcomed by the players. The news of this is particularly welcome as it puts to rest the speculation about his future and kills off one avenue of attack on certain players futures, although by no means stops the speculation dead in its tracks.

More importantly though, it gives a signal of stability (something that our nearest neighbours can only envy) on the playing side, knowing that the manager has another three seasons in charge after this one has ended. At the same time, he has confirmed that a Director of Football may not be appointed, Arsene happy with the relationship he has with Ken Friar to continue and somehow, with Friar having the Club in his blood, it is difficult to see him resisting a request to turn down any requests for ongoing help.

There have been theories posited that the uncertainty about Wenger’s future precluded some more transfer activity but I am unconvinced that the issue would have played much, if any, part in any decision making process for the player. On that subject, this month’s Club Magazine explains why Ryan Babel was not pursued as a transfer target despite the players clear desire to join. Arsene says,

we decided we had what we needed already with Eduardo and Bendtner

which makes it pretty clear that he views Babel as a central striker rather than the wide left position where others had placed him.

As is usual with the tabs though, they are trying to stir things up immediately after giving good news. This time, comments in the French media by Raymond Domenech have been interpreted to give the impression that there is a ‘row brewing’ between Gallas and Wenger over treatment for his injury,

William wants to spend 10 days at our Clairefontaine HQ to have treatment. I hope Arsenal will agree

If that is the route that will make his recovery speedier and permanent, then I doubt Arsene would disagree. If Domenech is involved then I can understand any concerns being raised as it would seem that unless the Moon and Uranus are in conjunction with Mars, any treatment is likely to be forestalled.

Interesting thoughts from Gilberto about the departure of Henry. He is quoted as saying,

Thierry was not the only player unhappy with our problems last year and I don’t think his dissatisfaction was any problem in the squad in terms of morale. Decisions of that kind involve major club and personal decisions. You should not question them.

I am not too sure about the final question but it is interesting that he does not believe that the Frenchman’s attitude caused any morale issues for the rest of the squad, contrary to what a lot of people believe. Whatever the truth is, and I suspect that it is somewhere between the two, it is beyond doubt that from the perspective of their personalities, some of the players have been ‘freed’ from the Great Man’s shadow; footballing wise, the wisdom of releasing him this summer will become clear as the season progresses.

The Brazilian has been quite chatty, believing that Eduardo should not be held up as a direct replacement for Thierry Henry but has great potential, backing up the view of Davor Suker in this morning’s Sun. Suker believes that Eduardo is “a top striker and given a year to fully adapt he will score many goals for Arsenal“. Gilberto backs that view and reaffirms his confidence in Le Boss at the same time,

he would not have been signed had the manager not considered he was up to it. It’s important he’s given time to adjust to the Premier League instead of making comparisons. I find it dangerous when people say he has come to fill Thierry Henry’s boots

Whoops. That has all gone a bit pear shaped then. Unfortunately, there is a growing trend amongst certain sections of the support that denies players the time to settle – they want it all and they want it now – and that excludes those who are genuinely concerned by the relative inexperience of the player. However, to expect him to come in and score a hatful of goals in the straight away is naive to say the least.

’til Tomorrow