It would appear that the Samir Nasri 'will he/won't he' saga is fast approaching and end with Arsene Wenger confirming a deal is not far off being confirmed.

"It is likely to happen," he told Telefoot.

"And if it does happen, it will be before the start of the European Championship."

If or when he does sign Nasri looks to be a very good and very essential addition to the squad. With long terms doubts over Rosicky, Van Persie and Eduardo's fitness, another creative player is a must really, especially when you bear in the mind the likely departure of midfield schemer Hleb.

It would appear all that is holding the deal up now is Nasri's inclusion in France's provisional Euro 2008 squad, so expect any confirmation of a deal to come towards the end of the week, even over the weekend.

Its a promising sign that Wenger has already started strenghtening and its good to see him sticking to his guns and not blowing money on 'big names', as some people have been calling for. Nasri would fit well in a squad high on skill and pace and low on age.

I won't go on and on about the likely departure of Hleb. All I will say is he has done nothing to endear himself to us Gooners in the last few months. Not having the spine to come out himself and talk about his future, allowing his numpty of an agent to address the Arsenal faithful has shown the character of the man. Furthermore, 11 goals in 3 years is nowhere near the type of return you'd expect from a £13 million investment. If Inter etc come in with a suitable offer then I think it'd be wise to snap their hands off, and Hleb can have all the ice cream he wants.

Young Theo Walcott has been talking to The Times about his hopes for the future, with England and Arsenal. Walcott has flourished in the England under 21 squad since his infamous 2006 World Cup 'campaign' and is happy to be on the pitch be it with the seniors or otherwise.

“It’s just good to play really, 

 “Maybe the experience we get with the seniors will help with the under21s, because there’s quite a few of us from the under21s in the seniors.

"Also, it gives us the opportunity to try to win the tournament as well, if there are senior-squad players still young enough to play for the under21s who Stuart Pearce can call upon."

Thats not to say he isn't keen to try and cement a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad for 2010, starting with a good appearance at Wembley this week in the friendly game with the USA.

“It’d be a dream come true, to play for England at Wembley this week,” 

“I know I probably won’t start but hopefully, if I work hard and train well, I can give the manager something to think about and, if I do come on, hopefully I will do well.”

“If I work hard and play well for Arsenal, then hopefully I’ll get my chance and why not?”

Seeing Theo more is something I think every Arsenal fan wants next season and all the better if it means seeing less of Eboue.

Finally, Rafa Benitez has played down Liverpool's chances of winning the Premiership next season, citing the amount of money spent by Manchester United, Chelsea (fair enough) and Arsenal (what?!) as the reason why. I'm sorry Rafa but having spent millions upon millions in the last few years I'd go as far to say that its not the amount you've spent but who you have spent it on. Bellamy £8 million? Pennant £6 million? I could go on. I think its a pretty tired excuse to use when you bear in mind the amount of money Wenger has spent in the same amount of time.

And on that angry note, I'll bid you good day.