[As you might know the LadyArse Network has expanded. A number of writers have their own blogs, but I've made the decision to bring you the best of their posts here so that they aren't missed. This entry is by Nashy.]

Four goals, new signings playing well and a clean sheet all point to a successful pre-season so far as the first team rounded off their German training camp at a canter.  With players now heading off into the international wilderness for what has to be the most important pointless round of friendlies of the footballing season, we can only hope that they return unscathed and ready for action in what promises to be an ever intriguing Premier League season.

One player who will not be sent out to join the rest of the cloggers is Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, who it seems picked up an ankle injury in Cologne yesterday and will unfortunately miss the prestigious fucking pointless friendly with Italy.  The seriousness of said injury is yet to be revealed, but here’s hoping it’s not too bad and he can make a recovery in time for the game against Sunderland.

It’s interesting to see how he’s been depolyed in the middle of the park, as one half of the base of the midfield three, and it bodes well for our options this season that Le Boss trusts him enough to stick him in there.  Whilst he has stated that he always see the future of our bright young star in the middle, he also said the same thing about Theo and we’re still waiting for that to happen.  Then again we’re still waiting for Theo to pull his finger out of his arse and sign a new contract, so eye for an eye and all that.

In another sign that this season may actually be one that isn’t spent in constant disarray and dispair over our team, Alex ‘Chipped Through Ball’ Song has batted away speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona.  According to Sky Sports News he’s happy at Arsenal and they UNDERSTAND that he wants to sign a new contract at Arsenal.  We all know that understand means 100% fact so we can all look forward to many more years of Alex being the most offensive defensive midfielder in the league.  Either way, Don’t Succumb To Premature Speculation.

On a serious note, if this is actually true, it’s brilliant news and sends out a message not only to other clubs who are thinking of poaching our players, but to those already in the squad about loyalty.  I think it’s fair to say that Alex Song has been one of Arsene’s biggest success stories, in that he’s developed him into one of the best defensive midfielders in the world from somewhat of a dodgy teenager.  For Alex to repay that faith by signing a contract and helping the club who made him who he is today as opposed to, say, leaving to find untold riches and heated benches to sit on, would be absolutely wonderful.

It appears Alex loves Arsenal,

and I love you too.

[Nashy writes on the LadyArse Network and his blog can be found by clicking here]