Five more days til the newly christened BPL kicks off. I don't like the new acronym. Somehow, the word ENGLISH should be stuck in there.

Robin Van Persie! Feisty, isn't he? "I am not Thierry Henry ... I am not a tennis player ". It was taken out of context (as most English journalists always do) and was reported that RVP labelled Henry a tennis player. I also like the dig on Freddie Ljungberg , because I completely agree. I am very thankful to Henry and Ljungberg for the wonderful years they had at Highbury but i found their parting shots to be ... should I say, inappropriate? I can slightly understand Freddie since the Arsenal he knew no longer exists. While I hate beating a dead horse, Henry's was disconcerting. Tying up his exit to a board member is not a valid reason. What goes on in the board room is not a player's business, it sounded like an excuse. A lame one at that. William Gallas should learn that, as well. Factor in the fact that Henry creating unrest in the club by claiming that Arsene Wenger is leaving. They both implied that the players are not good enough for them. They might as well be gone if they couldn't show faith in their mates. Oh well ... C'est la vie.

I still love the fact that RVP is relishing the role of top gun. Him and Cesc Fabregas have proven that they can step into the shadows of Henry when it comes to dealing with the press.

Mclaren is visiting the US to check on David Beckham and the standard of play in Major League Soccer? He might be surprised that there is a chance that there MIGHT be better managers than him in the MLS. How could he have promised Beckham that as long as he stays fit he can play for England if he did not have any knowledge about the world's 12th most attended league ? I mean, its not like he is a club manager with so much hands-on activities and he doesn't have time to scout other leagues. And if he really wanted to see an MLS match, what happened to TV? He is just wasting the FA's money. You wanted to know how Beckham is doing? CALL HIM! Although, with the fine that the FA slapped on West Ham United, they could afford a few useless trips for Macca.

What about Edwin Van Der Sar? Quite impressive ... three consecutive penalty saves. What a stiff arm.

Where is Martins going? Not missing again, I hope. With Mark Viduka, Michael Owen, Alan Smith et al - it is rumored that he is for sale . I would sure love to see him at Arsenal, but Wenger has already said "No more strikers."

Why did Eddie Johnson reject Derby ? Pulling a Donovan? That experience would've certainly helped him. Even if he doesn't get the minutes, it wouldn't hurt to train in a club belonging to one of the top three leagues in the world. Fighting for that spot instead of him being an automatic selection for FC Dallas should be good for his mental toughness.

And how did the likes of Denilson (Arsenal) and Anderson and Nani (Manchester United) get working permits immediately while Alex (Chelsea) and Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal) get rejected? Not sure about Nani and Anderson, but Eduardo eventually got his through an appeal. I guess the FA takes after McLaren when it comes to a selection process.

That's it for now.

Stan Kroenke is poised to for a take-over bid pending David Dein's cooperation.  It seems like the plan is to make David Dein chairman should the bid be successful.  When Satan Kroenke first showed signs of interest, I was not against it.  With the way the ownership of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool have gone, new ownership be it English or foreign seems to be inevitable.  To be able to compete with the spending power of the aforementioned clubs, an injection of cash is required.  This is such an attractive position for any capable investor because despite the debt incurred by the new stadium, the outlook is very bright.  The Arsenal is one of the best, if not the best, in efficiency based on profit-loss ratio.  As long as Arsenal competes in the Champions League, it seems there is no way for the club to be in the red.  A take-over would be good for the club.

Why do I not like Kroenke? Obviously the man knows how to make money.  You do not become that wealthy because you are an average businessman.  It seems like he is a very wise investor, which is why he desires Arsenal so much.  So, why do I not like him?  I have come to the conclusion that he does not care about Arsenal or at least follows current events.  He seems clueless about the club.

It is no secret that Arsene Wenger wants to keep Arsenal English .  And with speculation rife about Wenger extending his contract or not, and after Thierry Henry is sold to Barcelona, rumours of Cesc Fabregas moving to Madrid and Wenger being enticed by Barcelona.  Arsenal was described as a club in turmoil.  Fortunately, Wenger has signed Eduardo da Silva and Fabregas has pledged his future to Arsenal.  This helped in reducing the unrest within the club.  Wenger, in the meanwhile, remains vague about his future.  He says "I will come out at the right time ... maybe when you don't ask me the question. "

So, while the club is recovering from a stressful period, Wenger still has not signed a new contract, and Wenger has stated his dislike for foreign ownership, WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A  LOT OF NOISE ABOUT A TAKEOVER? 

If Kroenke knew a bit more Arsenal, or at least hired somebody who knows about the Arsenal, wouldn't he just wait a little bit?  At least until Wenger makes a decision?  Wenger is a man of his word, and if he signs a contract he will see it through.  Especially if David Dein is in the picture.