The heat is on, but the wrong way round

Today, rumours are rife about Samir Nasri, Cesc Fàbregas and Gaël Clichy. They are all set to leave Arsenal, if the stories are to be believed.

I'm told this Sky Sports story was the leading story in their television bulletin at 5 o'clock. But it's no more concrete than 'Sky Sports sources understands...' this and that about Manchester City bidding for Nasri. 'It seems...' that City has overtaken United who where 'tipped as...' the most likely - if any - destination. City are also 'reportedly close to...' signing Clichy, while Cesc is 'expected to...' leave Arsenal for Barcelona.

And this is what Gooners are up in arms for? It's about as concrete as a whiff of a scent of a reek behind the dustbin. Newsworthy? Only if the deals are closed.

The British media have spoken as one today, reporting that Clichy will join Manchester City for £7m. But where has the story come from?

The Daily Mail understands that Clichy is on the move, but at least the article has a byline, so it looks like the original. ('Understands' is what a reporter writes when noone will go on record, not even as an anonymous source, but the paper still wants to print.)

However, the Independent report of negotiations last night, but without quoting anyone directly. That in spite of two reporters sharing the byline.

The Mirror also understands. "It may be that Clichy will leave," the Star is told anonymously.

The clubs' secrecy around transfer deals is understandable. Too much attention can jeopardise negotiations between clubs, and between agents, players and clubs. But this secrecy also bring out speculation in the media. Reporters rely on scraps and quotes from parties in the talks, and can hardly ever publish the whole story.

So, again, I refuse to believe anything until the players are standing, shirt in hand, in their new employers' stadium.

That goes for any potential Arsenal replacements as well. The stories about Gervinho, Gary Cahill and Ricardo Alvarez are all in the background today. Even if there's nothing new. But they're the kind of rumours us Gooners enjoy, aren't they?