This morning's lead story in AS, the Spanish sports daily, is all about Arsene Wenger and the possibility of him taking over as manager.

On French TV yesterday Wenger described the idea of working with Perez, who looks set to take over as President of the Spanish club again this summer, as 'interesting'. Cue media frenzy. Saying something is 'interesting' is a very long way from saying 'I'm going to leave and be the new manager'.

AS quotes a 'source' close to Wenger as saying "Never before has it appeared more possible". It, of course, being Wenger leaving Arsenal and moving to Madrid. AS talks about the lively discussion with the shareholders last week as part of his motivation as well as the ongoing 'fight' between Usmanov and Kroenke for control of the club.

It is fairly bog standard stuff, you have to say, and while I have no doubts at all that Madrid want Wenger I just can't see it happening. Despite the way things have gone this season I still think he's the man for Arsenal and countless times this season he has reaffirmed his commitment to the club.

The picture on my desktop is on of Arsene Wenger during the home leg against Villarreal. Behind him is a sea of red and white and there's a proud expression on his face as his young team produced one of their best performances of the season. I believe he desperately wants to achieve things with Arsenal, with his players. This season might have opened his eyes to a few things and I don't think anybody would argue that signings are key this summer but as I've said previously the guts of a good side is there.

It's down to him now to make this team more competitive and you do get the feeling he's almost got a point to prove. To show that he can still win things after four trophyless seasons. Make no mistake, Arsene will be hurting about that. Leaving now would be like leaving a job half done and I don't believe he'd do that. I would expect some kind of statement from the club today to dampen down this speculation.

On the story that appeared in the Daily Mail about our summer transfer budget being just £13m, I say 'phooey'. Apparently he was told at a board meeting just before the shareholders Q&A. As if the club are going to leak details of what's available this summer, it's nonsense. More likely the story is planted by those who might want to cause more friction and the Mail has been the journal of choice for Fat & Orange in the recent past.

Well done to Steve Bould and his youth team as they clinched the Premier Academy League with a 1-0 win over Sp*rs at White Hart Lane. Rhys Murphy scored the goal the won it and the young lads will be on a high going into Friday's first leg of the FA Youth Cup final at the Grove.

Friday's game is live on Setanta Sports but if you're local the tickets are just £5 for adults and £2 for kids (if you get them before Thursday) and it'd be great if the kids got a big crowd to cheer them on.

Oh, and if you fancied voting for Arseblog in the 'best blog' and 'best podcast' categories here please feel free. We're lagging behind a Sp*rs 'cast and a Manc blog right now. Make it right. 

Not much else happening this Monday morning so we shall leave it there. Till tomorrow, folks.

Morning all,

happy Sunday to you all. A 1-0 defeat to Juventus yesterday in the Emirates Cup made it unlikely that we'll retain this most prestigious pieces of silverware, unless we spank Real Madrid today.

The Trezeguet goal was miles offside, even a blind man who didn't know the offside rule would have given it. It's not a big deal losing though. These games aren't about the results. There were some interesting bits and pieces to take from it though.

I suppose the main talking point is the reception given to Adebayor. When his name was announced pre-game there were some boos and when he came on in the second half you could hear more jeers when he touched the ball. Now, I'm not an advocate of booing players but I don't see any problem with fans wanting to let Adebayor know what they felt of his summer antics. He was out of order, they let him know. No harm whatsoever. Arsene Wenger called it 'disappointed love', heh.

In terms of performances young Jack Wilshere looked very good in the first half hour, as did most of the team in general. Gibbs was solid at the back, I thought Denilson had a very tidy game and was stronger in the tackle than I remember, Diaby came on and added something to midfield, Ramsey looks like he's got something about him while Djourou was quick and decent in the centre of defence.

The right hand side of Hoyte and Eboue was weak but given the fact they started yesterday and the supposed first XI will start today it's an indication that Sagna and Walcott, who combined well, are the ones who will begin the season there. 

Speaking after the game the boss said that even a 747 full of money wouldn't buy Adebayor now, although the new deal remains unsigned. He also spoke about a new signing, saying:

We are not close to signing anybody and I will focus on the players I have. If we can find someone, then we will do it. If not, I am happy as well. Experience-wise we a bit short in midfield but we will see. With Diaby not being injured, Denilson being available, we have quality in there. Today we did not have Rosicky, Fabregas, Eduardo, van Persie and Song. They are five top-class players.

Only one of those is a central-midfielder though. I have to say I'm finding the boss's comments about signings a bit strange. If we're short of experience and we need a body then shouldn't we be working hell for leather to find the right player rather than just saying 'Well, if we happen to chance across a vagrant quality central midfielder along the way we'll take him but if not then we'll just stick with what we've got'? 

On the other hand there is no real rush though. As the man from East Lower pointed out (after we'd finished recording the Arsecast the other night) our start to the season is not as tough as it might have been so there's no real rush. Knowing Arsene's penchant for late transfer window signings and the fact that you can drive the price down the longer you wait then it wouldn't be any surprise if the signing we all want came at 11.59pm on August 31st. 

Not much else happening really. In this morning's edition of El Mundo they report that Arsene Wenger, during the negotiations with Marc Ingla for Hleb and Adebayor, asked about Bojan Krkic. The youngster is only 17 and cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 18, at which point they can insert a ridiculous release clause. Barcelona don't want to sell though, obviously, because I reckon Bojan is going to be one of the biggest names in the world in a few years time. The boy, as they say, is a bit special.

So, Real Madrid later on. Should be fun. In the meantime have a good Sunday.