So it seems the end is nigh. Arsenal FC is about to collapse. We will struggle to finish in the top half next season, let alone the Champions League spots.

That’s what the media and even many Arsenal fans are already thinking and to be honest I’m not sure why. Cesc is a fantastic player no question. But has his time here left a legacy like that of Bergkamp, Vieira, Henry or Pires? Will he be remembered as a great captain like Adams, McLintock or Samson?

The short answer is no. This is probably not his fault. He has not had the real quality around him that the previously named had. Cesc has had to do it mostly himself, which in this league is a big ask. The problem is we put him on a pedestal simply because he is clearly our best player in the current squad, but he is not the best player to ever pull on an Arsenal shirt, and when he finally does leave and the dust settles, everyone will again see, as we did after Thierry left, that no player will ever be as big as our club.

I had hoped Cesc may give us one more year. One last chance to grab a piece of silverware with him here. Unfortunately his time here will read: Great player, Good Team, No titles, End Of. Shame but true. Great players can almost always be linked to a great team or a great season. Cesc can do neither during his time here. He missed the Invincibles and since then we have failed to make a prolonged challenge for silverware.

Cesc’s departure will undoubted fill the bank account with a healthy sum. £40-50 at least I would say. The pressure on Wenger to spend it all will be huge. If he invests wisely and buys two to three £20m plus seasoned international players including a decent goalkeeper, then there is no reason to fear for next season.

Of course as a player of true skill and class we will miss him, but he like any player can and will be replaced.

All the best Cesc… It’s been emotional