Good morning. It seems that overtime is being put in before the Euros start with all these rumors. Whether it is Wenger or the journalists will be found out soon. I think it is important that we get one or two players signed before the Euros start. Wenger has a bad habit of waiting until August to make his moves, I think the team is pretty well settled right now, and a new player needs to be in camp from the very beginning.

The first good news of the day comes from Carlos Vela, as the youngster was granted his work permit. I'm glad that we will finally see him at the Emirates Stadium, but I have to say I have no expectations this season for the upcoming season. I would like to see Wenger add another more experienced striker, but it seems that would be very unlikely. It worries me that if Robin Van Persie goes down again with injury, which is not that unlikely, we would be relying on Vela and Bendtner to partner Adebayor, as there is no way we can count on Eduardo coming back. The thought of Vela and Bendtner being a part of our first choice, or going another season only counting on Adebayor is a scary proposition.

In other news, Jean II Makoun, Lille starlet is rumored to be heading our way. I think that the 24 year old would be a good replacement for Flamini. If we are not going to sign a big name, I think that Makoun is a good fit. He is a good age, and is more in the mold of Flamini in that central midfield role than a Gilberto. Who knows how much truth there is to this, but it looks like a strong possibility.

Alex Hleb's agent was in the news again and talked about how honored Hleb was to be linked to Real Madrid. I am over this story, and if the player wants to leave then lets just get on with it and find a replacement. I don't think in our first team that we will miss Hleb that much, I think Walcott could step right in and be more of a goalscoring threat, and offer more in crossing the ball. However, where we will suffer is experience and depth. There is no doubt that Hleb is a talented player, and unlike most of the people we are being linked with, he is the finished article. Every time I think about this situation I am conflicted. I would rather have flankers with more goalscoring talents, but at the same time, Hleb creates goals for others and in a team that needs to add depth, it would hurt to lose an experienced player.

Another player that I would have liked to hold onto was Flamini, who of course went to AC Milan. In recent days he has been letting everyone know that his move to Milan was not driven by the money. I think all of us Arsenal fans can agree, we would rather play in the UEFA Cup than the Champions League. I don't blame Flamini for going, but don't lie to us.

The last bit of news today is a story on Arsenal.com, where Sewart Robinson reviews the season. Its an interesting article, and I like reading what he has to say. But I have to disagree with the main point he makes. I do not think that Diaby can step in and fill the void left by Flamini. Diaby has not shown me that he is capable of playing Premier League and Champions League football week in and week out at the level we need Fabregas' partner to play. I do think that Diaby needs to be moved back inside, but this team has come to far to rely on Diaby in his first year back in the middle to be the first choice.

Until tomorrow....

Unfortunately, the European football season has come to a close, and for the third year in a row, Arsenal have finished trophyless.  Even so, it was a miraculous season at the club and provided the supporters with many lasting memories.  I don't think any Gooner will ever forget the joy after Walcott's run set-up Adebayor at Anfield, nor will they forget the anguish just seconds later when Liverpool were awarded a penalty.  Thus is the life of a supporter.

As we look back on the season, I think we have to be pleased with the progress the club made.  Before the season started, I know almost all supporters of this club would have been pleased to know that we would tally 83 points.  This was supposed to be the year that we fell out of the top 4, but Wenger again suprised all, and had the best team in Europe for the first four months of the season.  But after leading the Premier League most of the season, and having a five-point advantage in February, we all are now gutted that the trophy ended up in Manchester, instead of North London.

Looking back at what went wrong, many point to the 4-0 thrashing at Old Trafford, the 5-1 defeat to Spurs, or the 2-2 draw at Birmingham; but I believe the fall didn't come on one result.  I believe for one of the first times in his tenure at the club, Arsene Wenger go caught unprepared.  The Boss never planned on his team playing so well, and did not have his squad prepared to fight on all fronts.  I believe Wenger was always pointing this new generation to come into its own in the 2008-2009 season, and thought this season would just need to gain more experience, and maybe compete in the cup competitions.

 Wenger planned to keep the squad together and add the necessary depth this summer to mount a charge on all fronts in this upcoming season.  But his team's stunning form put them in the hunt a year earlier.  When looking at the squad, there is no doubt that our First XI match up with anyone in the world, but we do not enjoy the depth of Manchester United or Chelsea, and that is why we could not contend in the Premier League and Champions League with them this season.

This summer, the Boss must stick to his plan and add the pieces to give us the depth of our closest rivals.  We clearly need a left-sided wide player, I like Tomas Rosicky (I even have his kit) but his health cannot be counted on.  If we can hold onto Hleb, I believe that the right side is solid with him and Walcott.  We also need to find a replacement for Flamini, who was immense for us this term.  Yaya Toure would be perfect in my opinion, but as long as it is an aggresive center mid who can clear space and protect Cesc it will be fine.  Along with those two things I think a big, powerful central defender is needed, even if it means parting ways with William Gallas. 

There you have it, thought I would give you some insight to where I stand on some of the issues at the club.  Posts should come regular.  If you need anything, or want to talk to me, shoot me a line on here or at nlrice2@gmail.com.  Also, I need some friends on here, so add me if you'd like.

Until tomorrow....