Since the departure of PV4, have we ever had a period of sustained midfield domination, one which the opposition respected and worried about? Of course Cesc has been missed this season but his outstanding ability is linking defence to attack, dominating through guile, not power. Flamini’s extraordinary contribution of breaking down opposition attacks and boundless energy was supposed to have been replaced with similar dynamism from Diarra. To lose them both is more than bad luck, it’s poor housekeeping. Denilson is doing an ok job but just doesn’t put fear into the opposition. He might be an Arsenal player but he’s in the wrong team. Song can be considered a success in that he emerged through the ranks to the first team but he has really hit his peak and we only know as much as we do about him because of injuries and lack of competition.

What we need is a defence-minded, quick, intelligent, versatile centre-midfielder who knows when to push up and when to hold, who’ll grab four or five goals a season and avoids stupid yellow cards. With the creative forces of Theo, Cesc, Roscky, Samri, RVP and Arshavin in front of him, the urge to join in the attack must be tempered, as Flamini managed. Where can we get one of them for under £15m?

I’ve thought about this since Flamini announced he’d definitely leave and Diarra squirmed out of our grip. And I’ve always come back to the same conclusion – Kolo Toure.

Having lived in Australia for four years I find myself increasingly outside the bubble that is daily life around Arsenal, but I’ve seen little evidence to suggest that anyone’s thought the same, notably Mr Wenger. I’ve just watched us earn a point at Three Point Lane and from kick-off it was clear there’s (still) a big hole in front of the centre-halves.

Toure is everything described above – he’s a no.2 centre-half alongside a similar player in Gallas, the reason the pair don’t play well together in my opinion. Djourou is a no.1, though he doesn’t believe it, but it means Toure can be released to sit in front and protect the pair. He joined us as a wide right midfielder but converted to a utility defender – possibly why his positioning is a bit erratic as a centre-half but can clearly read a game, wins 50/50s or goes in to win it if when he knows he can’t, mixes rough with style without taking unnecessary risks or being dirty about it, has excellent pace over short and long distances, a cool head, good enough range of passing, respect from his teammates and opposing players, he’ll release Cesc to inflict damage, he’s consistent, he’s perfect. And he’s Arsenal.

When I heard he wanted to go to City, or whatever the truth of the story was, I was gutted. His contribution is enormous and I genuinely think we can put this particular weakness to bed, find a new slot for or sell Denilson, buy a centre-half with the proceeds, etc, etc.

In anticipation of finishing second this season.