Do you remember that iconic Mr Bean episode where he profusely contemplates how to pack his pocket-sized suitcase before realising he possesses a full scale version? You must recall the moment he cuts up his trousers to make them fit only to discover he owns an identical pair of shorts? If you don't then you haven't really lived. But thats how I envisage Arsene Wenger's preparations transpired as he prepares to jet off on his holidays. Destination? I'd say somewhere in Eastern Europe. Poland or Ukraine perhaps? After all it would be foolish of Mr Wenger not to take in the European Championships. It's a prime opportunity to sound out potential summer transfer targets and keep tabs on the 10 Arsenal players present at the tournament. Because, in fact, it's all gone a bit quiet at the Emirates Stadium since the acquisition of Lukas Podolski was announced and Robin Van Persie's contract talks were put on ice until after the finals. Whilst this is all merely hypothetical and Wenger is probably trenched deep in the bronzing process on a idyllic Caribbean beach the thought that he is getting his teeth into some real scouting would certainly put the minds of Gunners supporters at rest. They wouldn't want a repeat of the events of the previous summer now would they?
This week on FFC is extending Van Persie's stay in North London more important than new signings and which Argentinian midfielder will Arsenal battle Real Madrid for?
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Best of FFC
The kind of reformation Arsenal have needed?
A true Measurement of Success within the Premier League?
Just as important as big signings for Arsenal
Will Financial Fair Play open up the door to a breakaway?
Barcelona sniffing around Arsenal ace
Time for Wenger to display ruthlessness and show them the door
Could Arsenal do with a similar ambassador at the club?
Arsenal face £8m transfer battle with Madrid
Arsenal chief eyeing quality signings
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Best of WEB
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One of Us Speaks: False Sense Of Entitlement - A Cultured Left Foot
Is this Belgian star the missing piece to Wenger’s puzzle? - Gunnersphere
Ivan Gazidis believes in the fairies - Online Gooner
From Dagenham & Redbridge to Poland & Ukraine - Gunnersphere
Just ten more minutes! - Arseblog
Another out the door at Arsenal, still no one in though. Are we keeping our powder dry for a reason? - Le Grove
Van Persie deal done? Signings on the way – could Stan Kroenke influence one of them? - Highbury House
HOLTBY & RONDON BOTH LINKED WITH EMIRATES TRANSFER - Transfer Tavern
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Quote of the Week
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"Robin sat down with us at the end of the season and we had a good discussion. What we agreed at that meeting was that we would keep all the discussions we had over the summer to ourselves and make announcements when it is the right time.
"We have to respect the fact we have agreed to keep that among ourselves. Robin is clearly focused on the Euros at the moment and we wish him well, and at the right time we will make the right announcements." Ivan Gazidis reveals he's held contract talks with Robin Van Persie and they will resume after Euro 2012