Imagine this for a minute. One of your best mates leaves your company to go and work for one that you both despised, without telling you, and you end up finding out from the gossip shrew in the office.

This is more or less what happened to Thomas Vermaelen yesterday.

After Belgium’s 4-2 friendly win over Holland, a reporter broke the news that Robin Van Persie was off to Manchester United to him.

I can’t speak Dutch, but I’ve managed to get a general idea of what was said from reading around translations.

The Arsenal captain (I could be proved wrong, but I doubt it) said he was “shocked” that it had happened, and would have liked for him to stay at the club. Apparently Van Persie had given no outward appearance of wanting to go and looked “sharp and fit” in training. Just by watching the video you can tell he’s genuinely upset.

When asked how Arsenal would cope, he said that Arsenal had already brought in enough quality players to ensure Arsenal had the depth and ability to challenge next season.

I’m inclined to agree.

Santi Clause scores a Golazo

Another video for you all! This one’s in the universal language: Football.

Good goal, eh? That’s just part of what we can look forward to next season.

Some people have suggested that Cazorla won’t be scoring many goals like this, as Arsenal players “aren’t allowed” to shoot from outside the box. I suppose they didn’t watch the Man City, Wigan, Tottenham, Blackburn, West Brom and Sunderland games last year.

There’s no doubt that Arsenal players are encouraged to complete moves inside the box, and this often results in an impression of trying to “walk it in”. Arsenal’s play revolves around quick passing, and Cazorla is a master of this. While he probably will play more passes than he does shots on goal, I still think we’ll see a few balls flying in from 25 yards next season. Especially from free kicks. He’s a specialist you see, not like that Dutch crock we flogged to United for 24 mil. Suckers.

Mr Handsome’s friendly

Olivier Giroud started France’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay last night as well, playing in a 4-4-2 next to Karim Benzema. It was a fairly dull game by all accounts, and according to Arsene he’s a bit tired now and probably won’t start against Sunderland.

Then who will??

All signs are pointing to Podolski starting upfront on Saturday, seeing as he’s fresher, got more game time at Arsenal, and didn’t play a friendly, as he was left out of Germany’s squad to prepare for the new season.

For me, our line-up will look like this:

..............................Sczezny

Jenkinson       Mertesacker       Vermaelen         Gibbs

............. Arteta                   Coquelin

..........................Diaby

Walcott                                 Gervinho

....................Podolski

Giroud and Cazorla will probably come on later.

Still looking

According to the BBC Arsenal aren’t looking for a new striker, but they are looking for a right-back cover and another defensive player, possibly a midfielder.

I think they’re right and wrong. Arsenal probably are after a defensive mid, with Song leaving, and possibly a versatile defender who can play centre and right back, such as Yanga-Mbiwa (who Wenger was having a cheeky peek at yesterday, possibly along with Etienne Capoue).

On the other hand, Arsenal aren’t going to proclaim “clubs of Europe, Arsenal have 25 million pounds and WOULD LIKE A STRIKER.” Prices would skyrocket.

Watch this space.

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