Morning Peeps and Boro fans,

I hope everyone is fine and well? It sure was a cold one last night here in England. My early morning workout today consisted of scraping the ice off the car. Never mind using de-icer, give your arms a mini workout, I say.

I'm going to follow on from yesterdays blog about Arsenal's players ending up on Teesside. Ok, we only have two former Gooner's on board, but that could soon change with the arrival of Traore. A figure of around £4million has been slapped on the left back if we're serious about taking him.

Is this a fair amount for a 19-year-old French U21 international? I think so. Boro may not have the funds to throw about at any player, but if Southgate thinks he needs him, then I'm sure the money will appear from somewhere. Whether the money will come from the chairman or from selling on a couple of players remains uncertain yet.

One thing is sure though, we've been talking about Arsenal's youngsters and the amount of good teenagers they have got that are not playing in the first team. After their league cup exit last night, a fair few of those youngsters will probably only get a couple of substitute appearances from the remainder of the season's games.

Here is my point, Arsene Wenger may have to keep some of those players sweet by letting them go out to fellow Premiership teams on loan. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of these North London youngsters being scattered across the country so they are able to play football.

Gareth Southgate obviously has a good relationship with Arsene Wenger because of the Aliadiere and Hoyte signings, plus he had very good words to say about our Gareth at the end of last season. 'An up and coming manager with lots of potential to lead a young team to glory' were the words that Wenger told one journalist. I would say that Arsene will be getting a Christmas card from the Boro manager this year.

It would be no shock to see an Arsenal youngster at the Riverside in the new year. I'm just wondering which one of their talents would suit a move to the cold of the north east for a few months.

A creative midfield player would be nice to fill that missing gap in the side. If Southgate was to be successful in landing an Arsenal player on loan it will also give the Boro boss more time to find the funds for a summer signing.

More news tomorrow. Keep warm people!

Follow the Boro Brick Road...

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Morning Peeps and Boro fans,

We're only two days into the festive season and the rumour mill is already bursting with transfer gossip.

I read last night that Axel Witsel is staying put at Standard Liege according to the club's vice-president. A bid of £17million had been rejected earlier this week for the 20-year-old midfielder, which confirms that Boro's interest in the young starlet is now officially over because we do not have that kind of money laying about.

Boro fans are still waiting for good news regarding a creative midfield player. We are desperate for an attacking midfielder to strengthen the team.

Steven Defour's name is still on everybody's lips concerning transfer rumours, but I must admit if Arsenal are interested in the Belgian maestro, then we may have to concede that possibility now before we get our hopes up.

A team of Arsenal cast-off's

Southgate might have a little plan when dealing with Arsene Wenger in January. The Boro boss is apparently interested in strengthening his left back situation. Taylor needs competition and cover so a move for Armand Traore looks likely. The Arsenal left back is currently on loan at Portsmouth and Wenger might be tempted to letting the 19-year-old Frenchman go if a cash offer plus Southgate's interest in Defour dies down.

If Southgate is successful in landing the Arsenal player, it would be another Gunner joining us. We already have Aliadiere and Justin Hoyte. To be honest I wouldn't mind having a team of Arsenal cast-off's, at least they are all good players that have been nurtured by arguably the best coach on the planet.

I can see what Gareth Southgate is doing with the team/squad. He wants to make the team a formidable force in the coming years so that's why he is purchasing players that are aged between 19 and 23-years-old. He is still building a team and is showing us that by bringing in players like Digard, Emnes and Hoyte. These players are not overnight stars, they are players for the future.

Boro fans are not fickle like many other Premier league club fans. We don't demand overnight success so when Southgate makes moves like this, we are right behind him. Just get it right soon yeah! Two more seasons for him to get his five-year plan spot on.

More gossip on its way when the rumour mill churns it out.

Follow the Boro Brick Road...

 *missed the last blog post? Click here to read it*