Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry eventually left the club to allegedly more glamorous climes but it was on Arsene Wenger’s terms. He felt both had peaked and would only go down in value and decided to cash in. Previously he had been successful in convincing his talismans that they would be better off staying in an environment where they were nurtured, in a club that valued great football and, above all, was competing for every competition it entered. The final point is, of course, key.

Cesc will already rightfully be remembered as an Arsenal great. His vision and passing are outstanding, as is his drive and leadership. He could go down in history as one of the true greats of the modern game. It cannot be ignored that the determination and ambition that sees a player make the most of their talents will also drive that player to seek the best environment to flourish. Arsenal was most certainly that environment in his youth, but now development isn’t his priority, it’s success.

You don’t need me to tell you that Cesc loves this club. Likewise Robin van Persie, our other unquestionably world class player, the next in line for the armband and also the rumour mongering. Both of these players would, like Vieira and Henry, be happy to resist the overtures of European giants if they felt their personal priorities and their loyalties coincided. This needs a statement from the club.

It’s been a long time since major signings have been as badly needed as they are this summer. The club has possibly found itself at a crossroads. Making a commitment to expensive signings might knock the finances a bit and interfere with the (failed) squad development project but the alternatives could be very bad indeed. Spurs are rich, debt-free and in the Champions League, Liverpool should be expected to redouble their efforts, Villa, Everton and, of course, City will be more dangerous than ever. United and Chelsea were too strong for us this year and will strengthen significantly in the summer. In terms of continental pre-eminence, I have one word for you: Barcelona. Arsenal cannot develop slightly or stand still (and it’s arguable whether they managed to do either this season). Failure to compete will possibly be a fatal blow. Lose Cesc and then Van Persie – the two players this squad revolves around – and the road to recovery is a much more arduous, less certain one.

Well-known, proven players are needed in goal, in defence, I would argue out wide and up front. The players we possess that have the ability to achieve greatness need to know that they can achieve what they want to with us. If that is to the detriment of the Fabianskis, Denilsons and Djourous of this world then so be it. As Cesc proved, learning and proving yourself against the best will bring out the best in the truly great anyway.

Is it too late for Cesc? I don’t believe so. But will he want to wait for the World Cup to make the decision? I doubt it. In the next three weeks, preferably a lot sooner, signings are vitally needed.

On another note, the way in which the squad is built for the future also needs looking at, and I believe Wenger is ahead of the curve on this one. British youngsters need to be the backbone of our youth and reserve ranks. If Cesc were from Bracknell, not Barcelona, or Van Persie Romford not Rotterdam then the assumption that they were only at Arsenal temporarily would not be so widespread. Ashley Cole has taught us that it is not as simple as all that, but one can only hope that the Wilsheres, Gibbs and Ramseys that come through and hopefully make an impact like our current number 4 don’t bring with that the summers that we have had to endure seemingly forever.