When the rags came out in force talking about Mikael Silvestre moving to Arsenal at this 11th hour, I had a look at the date to make sure that it was not the first of April.

I was not sure why because not in a million years did I see Arsenal going after him, especially at his age. I also did not figure Manchester United to be the sort that would sell to the Arsenal.

At the point of writing there was nothing official coming from either side - and just as well because what do you say to something like that? What was clear was that there was enough to go on for a rumour to spread that wild.

Now, so far as Silvestre's ability is concerned, I am reluctant to pass judgement on his condition. He did not figure much for United last season and, even when he did, he did not light the blue touch paper.

What Arsene Wenger knows, though, is that Arsenal are short of experience in the team and that includes squad players in general. It is impossible to even begin to imagine where the French international will be played. Could he be getting a spot in midfield alongside Cesc Fabregas? Or might Kolo Toure be moving into the middle of the park to provide that muscle?

I am sure most of those questions will be answered in one stroke from Mr Wenger, but it has certainly made the final 10 days of the transfer window interesting, hasn’t it?