I emailed arsenal.com to express my disappointment at the ‘transfer linked’ feature they are running on the official website this summer. Here is the club’s reply…

Thank you for your email and your opinions on the new Transfer Linked section of Arsenal.com. We value all feedback from our site visitors.

We saw this new feature simply as a service to Arsenal fans. It is just a way of rounding up those players linked with the club via credible news sources. We are merely reflecting stories that are ‘out there’ without giving them any legitimacy. Certainly it is something new for Arsenal.com but we credit our readers with the ability to discern between actual news and speculation.

That said, of course we are taking your comments seriously and we are aware that Transfer Linked has been debated on the fans’ sites and their messageboards. But at the same time, it is extremely popular content and received a positive response via comments on the major Arsenal Facebook group.

Everyone at Arsenal.com is acutely aware of the values and traditions of Arsenal Football Club. It steers everything we do. But that does not mean we should stand still.

As with every new feature, we intend to monitor the popularity and reaction of Transfer Linked in the coming weeks. That will determine whether it stays a regular part of the site. I hope that answers your query.

Thanks once again for your interest in Arsenal.com.

My response:

Thank you for your reply.

I do not believe the transfer linked page is 'simply' a service to Arsenal supporters which rounds up all the transfer rumours. Such gossip is easily accessible through a wide range of sources without the official website of Arsenal Football Club highlighting it further.

I'm also fully aware that transfer stories provide football websites with more traffic than any other news. Sadly, I'm sure this has been considered for the website at such a time when it may not receive as many hits as it would during the season. It's disappointing that the official website has gone down this route.

I'm glad the club credit the supporters "with the ability to discern between actual news and speculation". Great. If that's the case why not have a round up of the daily drip of Fabregas going to Barcelona stories on the website? Thankfully, the only comment the club has made on the Fabregas rumours has been an official and dignified statement confirming the rejection of a bid from the Catalan club. An official statement from the official website of Arsenal Football Club. As it should be.

Likewise, the only time the club should comment on players linked to Arsenal is when they have actually signed, with a nice picture of said player with his new shirt. Official.

Maybe the website could also gather up the stories about the ownership issues currently surrounding the club that 'credible' news sources have been reporting on over the last year or so.

The club's transfer policy for as long as I can remember has been to never comment on speculation. Whilst I understand the transfer linked section is not a club comment, it still highlights the gossip via an official channel. It shouldn't.

Also, praise for the section via Facebook is not credible enhancement. Far from it. I know that the many complaints you have received over the section have come from long term supporters with a close and long standing affection and understanding for the club and its values. I'm not convinced the people who have praised the section via Facebook have such feeling. I would doubt so.

I understand the need to change and move forward, but a transfer gossip page on the official website of Arsenal Football Club is not the way.

I'm also pleased to hear you understand the values of the club and will monitor the section’s popularity and hope that in due course the section ceases to exist.

With Regards,

Joe Mardon