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Dear Arsene,

On my return home from Barnet on Saturday I was delighted to switch on my TV and see the Breaking News on Sky Sports that Adebayor had finally departed to Manchester City. My joy was quickly tempered, however, by your comments regarding the need (or lack thereof) for a replacement in the forward line. I urge to act quickly to replace Adebayor, as the ideal replacement is stalling on a deal with Stuttgart (I had hoped this was because he was coming to Arsenal, but it apppears more likely he may go to Spurs). I talk, of course, of Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Forget Marouane Chamakh - this guy’s finishing is, at best, patchy. Chamakh is also likely to have to disappear to Africa for a month halfway through the season to play for Morocco. Huntelaar would bring us the same physical presence as Adebayor did at his best, while being one of the most clinical goalscorers in the world. At £18m he is a relative snip - especially as you now seem to have around £25m burning a hole in your pocket.

I am imagining a team with Song (or a new signing - Patrick Vieira is available and would be a great teacher for Song in the art of defensive midfield play, as well as being a figurehead for the Club) anchoring a midfield with Fabregas and Rosicky, while Arshavin plays as central forward with Huntelaar and Bendtner/Eduardo alongside him. The chances created by the talented short-folk would be swallowed up by the potent Huntelaar and Eduardo (Bendtner would add a real bite alongside Huntelaar, even his finishing is not yet what it may be). The very thought of this makes me far more comfortable with the outlay for a season ticket in these difficult times.

Whilst at the Barnet game I was keen to see our new defender in action. It is immediately apparent that he is even smaller than Gallas and Toure. He was beaten in the air in every single challenge - not least the first equaliser. Vermaelen looks a very decent footballer, with reasonable pace, but he is not the type of centre-back this team is crying out for. Whatever it is that Fulham require, go and sign Brede Hangeland. Please. Failing that, give Big Phil a proper run alongside Gallas or Vermaelen.

I live in hope that these things happen, but fully expect you to pursue Chamakh and not sign a commanding centre-back. But then, what do I know, you’re the man that matters.

Yours in hope and admiration

Paul