Rosicky rumours just not there

In my very un-scientific poll on this blog, Tomas Rosicky was the overwhelming candidate to sell from the hand picked examples of the current Arsenal squad. The Czech schemer looks to be on his way if you readers were to decide. However, there are no rumours reported about him leaving, only speculation.

Various English papers and websites list Rosicky as one of the players Arsenal are likely to sell - but only one reporter, Steve Stammers of the Daily Mirror, has ventured a guess for any kind of destination. "Probably to Germany." That is all. After a month and a half of Silly season, that's the best the British media industry has come up with.

It's easy to pick on Rosicky. He's one of the oldest players in the squad, plagued by injury and has probably put his best games for Arsenal behind him. His star is on the wane at the same time as Walcott, Wilshere, Nasri and Ramsey are proving themselves as able and stable attacking midfielders.

But why aren't there - even in the Silliest of seasons - any remote hint of a possible destination, or indeed of any offer being made, or any hint of him being unsettled?

Because it's all guesswork, that's why. The papers and reporters are merely guessing, weighing up the odds, playing Football Manager in their minds, trying to second guess the Arsenal management. Alas, a story needs to be told. Ins means outs.

Nowadays, the contract talks of Samir Nasri and Gaël Clichy puts some focus on their futures, and the constant re-reporting of Barcelona saying they can't afford Cesc Fabregas (in England twisted into stories linking him with a transfer anyway, as if money was no issue) keeps his name in the papers. But Rosicky simply isn't a target for anyone but his current employer, still trusting him to step up when needed as a senior squad player (but no penalties, please).

And that brings me to a final point: while Gooners are baying for more experienced players in the squad, why should Arsenal sell the Czech Republic captain at 30?