No news does not mean no reporting

There are various reports about Gervinho signing one of these days. Of course, he has been reported to be signing 'soon' for several weeks. Still he's widely quoted from the French media saying himself that he's chosen Arsenal, and he has been spotted for his medical in London by trustworthy Gooners. Knowing Arsenal, the confirmation will be held up for a day or two, but when/if it finally arrives he'll get capital letters here.

But what I can't fathom is that papers, having reported for weeks that it's a matter of days, can't shut it and wait for him to smile beside Arsène Wenger.

The story on Cesc Fábregas still boils down to Barcelona not affording him, or of variations thereof. This isn't new, but it's still rephrased and reported as news because there are no news. I've mentioned it earlier. At least twice recently.

What some papers describe as Barcelona's 'hardball tactics', waiting for the end of the window to make their move, smacks more of desperation on their part. As does the widely reported rumour that they demand more compensation for Hector Bellerin and Jon Toral included in any Fábregas deal. It's just that they don't have the cash Arsenal want for Cesc.

Samir Nasri was back in training today. Ironically, the paper in which the Frenchman spoke last, the News of the World, was shut down today. His quotes in that most trustworthy of organs have been the foundation for every twist and turn of reporting his possible transfer since.

Well, now he's back at Arsenal and booked on Sunday's plane to Kuala Lumpur.

There will obviously be negotiations with Arsenal, with only a year left on his contract that's a no-brainer. Interest from other clubs strengthen his position. Even the BBC has reported that Manchester United have made an enquiry, and I'm inclined to believe that. But I don't believe Nasri's leaving without speaking to the manager first, trying to get what he wants from Arsenal.

Still, I've lost count on how many time Chelsea's or Manchester City's interest and even completed deals for Nasri have been reported. Were the Daily Mail to be believed (another no-brainer), he would already be posing with their AC Milan away colours at soon-to-be-named Etihad Stadium.

Instead, Nasri may well facilitate a pay rise for one or two of his teammates as well, if he can get the club to expand their wage structure.