Wenger: 'We'll be strong next season'

He said:

"I share the sadness with our supporters that Patrick has left us, but on the other hand I would say to them trust us and support us. We'll be strong next season. We will not disappoint you."

"Patrick was a great player for us, one of the greatest in the Club's history and I feel I had a special relationship with him because I made him come here. I think his impact, not only at Arsenal but in English football overall was just tremendous.

"Patrick will always be special for Arsenal Football Club, always in our hearts and our minds. All I can do is thank him for all he gave to the Club and wish him well in his career."

I like many others will be waiting for The Boss to show his hand - I'm still convinced that he won't spend big this summer, and that no players of proven quality will be brought in. I suspect that he plans to employ his usual tactics of 'promoting from within' or bringing in a couple of lower profile players who have potential to improve.

Second-guessing Arsene Wenger has now become far more interesting.