The two main rumours combined

It's only March, but a lot of attention is given to Arsenal's rumoured transfer dealings after this season. The two main stories centre around what kind of attack next season's team will have. Will Robin van Persie and Lukas Podolski combine, or will the (rumoured) new German signing be the captain's replacement? Earlier in the week, that was the gist of this Independent article.

First of all, the deal for Podolski looks more and more like a genuine story. Details coming from sources at the clubs suggest a deal is made or is close. Whether Arsenal have been allowed to conduct a medical at FC Köln or not won't be confirmed by either club. But most of all: no other clubs have been linked with Podolski, suggesting his agent is trying to launch a transfer rather than putting the final touches on it.

At the same time, Robin van Persie (or his agent) is said to have agreed a contract with Manchester City, should a transfer come about in the summer. This is so much against international rules and fair play that football probably is the only place it could happen. But still, a move is no certainty. The Dutchman's performances on the pitch suggest that any oil-funded team in the world would throw money at him. His performances OFF the pitch, as a leader and captain, suggest that van Persie might actually want to play on at the Emirates.

Just a final warning to Arsenal fans. The sagas of Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri, especially the latter, should have reminded us that there's no such thing as player-club loyalty. Money talks, and the players walk.