Perhaps the penny is beginning to drop that his mates at Stamford Bridge do not rate him that highly after all. However it's difficult to know how Wenger can play Cole against Villa, as much of the crowd is likely to boo him. After all his statement is not exactly a rousing call of loyalty to the cause. My feeling is he will need to say quite a bit more before Arsenal fans forgive him.

 Not a selling club

Some Arsenal fans may be disappointed that this is dragging on, however Arsenal are playing hardball with Chelsea and Real Madrid. The money is not the most important thing, what is important is that the Arsenal will not be pushed around. It is a bigger club than Chelsea, and soon will be as big as Real Madrid. It can afford to let Reyes and Cole cool their heels; after all it was not Arsenal's wish to sell them in the first place.

 The rantings of Real Madrid are particularly amusing, apparently Arsenal are holding them to ransom. What a strange world the Geriaticos live-in, they unsettle a player who is on a long term contract, that Arsenal want to keep, offer less than the Gunners paid for, and then accuse Arsenal of holding them to ransom. It's a bit like being held at gunpoint and asked for £100, you offer £50, and then the gunman accuses you of  holding him to ransom.

 It would be tempting to sell these two at any price, but that would turn Arsenal into a selling club. Far better to make them keep to their highly paid contracts. Nor should fans worry is that action loses money, the club does not need to sell; it has a good income. Nor will the antics of Cole and Reyes undermine the team the club has plenty of good replacements for both of them. If they play they will need to play well to convince national managers and possible new clubs.

 Personally I hope that the club gets an honourable settlement on both so that the Gunners can get on with the real business of winning trophies.