Morning All,

Well a big week ahead, the new Puma kit is officially released (Yes I know you can apparently buy it in Macau or also through AA so Micko says, No not alcoholics anonymous) many people speculated months ago that both Arsenal and Puma would want to make a big song and dance of the new Brand and kit launch and what better way than to unveil the kits and a few new signings. I think the closer we get to the official kit launch the more likely it looks that we will indeed announce player signings, is this the reason no player purchases have actually been announced…? Have Arsenal done deals and kept them under wraps until this week…? It would make good commercial sense and would also explain why it seems that we have been quiet on the players coming in.

We know the World Cup has made things difficult to tie up targets that could of been involved due to the fact yes we can deal with the selling club and agents but hardly easy to then sit down with a player and thrash out a deal and do medicals etc etc….!

I could be very wrong and will accept all the flak in due course if/when wrong but I think Arsenal have been busy since the end of the season. I think for a change we know exactly who we want and I think behind the scenes we have been trying to make it happen. As much as we moan about the lack of transfer activity at Arsenal and our apparent lack of nous when it comes to signing players the last few seasons the people running our club are certainly not stupid. They must know where they stuffed up and they will also know after the loss last August to Villa at home the fans know the funds are there to be spent, expect the funds to be spent and want to see quality players brought into the club, If not then reap the whirlwind. Those same people at the club won’t want our new sponsors thinking we are a club lacking ambition, Puma will expect a high level of player purchases to promote their Brand and allow them to promote Arsenal as a premium brand with quality players. What ever way you look at it both need star names at Arsenal and that’s why I think this next week will be a big week.

Along with the rumours and gossip there seems to be way too much smoke to think there isn’t fire on the Debuchy links and comments from him seem to indicate the deal will be confirmed soon. The Alexis Sanchez deal is obviously complicated and after all we’re dealing with those “A-holes” at Barca so we know they will want to milk the deal for every penny possible. Having said that it seems Sanchez genuinely does want to come to Arsenal and that he is now back in Europe to sort out his future, I think he will be unveiled as an Arsenal player along with the new kit later this week and to make up the three my money is on Schneiderlin also joining us, If it’s Khedira I will also be very happy but with him still involved in the WC can’t see that deal being announced so if it’s Khedira then only two players announced this week with Khedira to follow, I could live with that.

I know it’s a Sunday and I know most will laugh at my thoughts on this but think about it, Arsenal are money driven and want to consolidate and make the most of the Puma sponsorship, they need the exposure to be big and what better way than a few new players at the same time.

Keep your fingers and everything else crossed……..

Have a good day.