Reliable sources at the Arsenal Supporters Trust have informed us that Andrei Arshavin is currently at Highbury House, the turquoise carbuncle of an office building the club use near the stadium above the North Bank bridge, the non-matchday box office and the All Arsenal Store. Significantly, it also houses the directors' boardroom.

This is contrary to Sky Sports News current claims that he is waiting at a London airport ready to board a private jet.

This does not mean the deal is done, but that the player is in place to negotiate terms and is not already headed back to Russia.

There’s hope yet.