Firstly, these are not my words or thoughts. But extracts from a couple of emails I have received from an Arsenal fan based abroad who watches a lot of football but wishes to remain anonymous for professional reasons. First email was on the subject of the two lads from French clubs…

1. I have watched Adebayor a few times, in fact that was the main reason I have been watching Monaco, and it is true that he is similar to Kanu, but better in the air, slightly less inventive (how could he be more inventive?) ... but still skilful. He has pace for his height as well. A handful. Does not score much though - certainly similar to Kanu in that way. Allegedly caused aggro in the dressing room and conflict with the coach (and Deschamps is a good bloke I think).

History (games - goals) : Monaco 34 - 9 (04/05) 31 - 8 (03/04)

Metz 34- 13 (02/03) 10 – 2 (01/02) 10 – 3 (00/01)

Total 119 - 35

2. I watched Diaby play for 45 minutes for the French u-19s against England u-19s - I instantly thought that I was re-living Vieira's dÈbut against Sheff Wed - but the commentators did not really notice him for some reason. He was seriously taking the p*ss by the end of the game - nutmegs and allsorts - seemed a bit too big for his boots by the end of the game. From that moment on I watched out for him. Like Vieira but with more tricks.

With both of them perhaps the mental aspect could be the only problem - but overall good news.

Second email was in response to a suggestion of mine that it might be time for a complete re-build of the side after the defeat to Everton and the Wigan semi final second leg…

One option would be simply to sell Henry, Pires and Ljungberg en bloc - plus maybe Gilberto and Campbell as well. Then we could just start afresh and wait for a year or two to see if they grow together - perhaps with an older signing or two. Despite his goals, Henry's main use at the moment is to attract players to the club.

Possible line-up for next season: Lehmann (until we can find a proper keeper, although I know he's done alright this season) Defence: Lauren (but preferably Trabelsi or Miguel - Sagnol has signed for 4.5 more years at Bryan Munich unfortunately, Kolo TourÈ (or Lilian Thuram two years ago - or someone like Cris at Lyon), Djourou (looking better than Senderos at the moment...), Cole (most important signing this summer) Midfield: Diaby, Fabregas Attack: Reyes, Adebayor (Lupoli), Van Persie, Walcott (Hleb?) or more likely only three up front (any three from those four/five) with a third midfielder (e.g. Gilberto in front of the defence - Diaby and Fabregas in front of him - and the three up front basically free).