Ah Ju 9 :
Stop complaining about his imminent return to Korea in 2 years' time. We've got an experienced striker who is technically proficient, who's comfortable as a lone striker, whose pricetag is cheap in today's standards. Unlikely to usurp Robin from the CF role, but will be a good alternative compared to Chamakh if we were to play 451 (f*ck), or partnering Robin as the spearhead if we decide to revert to 442.

Santos 11:
I have no idea why there's so much flak directed at him before he even started a game. It's like the Koscielny case - people are finding excuses to diss him upon his arrival. Santos is a full fledged Brazillian NT player, played in one of the toughest league in Europe, and seems to have an explosive pace and attacking ability. Granted, a fullback's main responsibility is still defending, but during the times when Clichy's efforts are not even appreciated, are we in a position to whine about this?

Per 4:
For all the Cahill, Samba, Jagielka, this is the best choice we could have gotten. Still relatively young, but already a veteran for club and country, towering stature, and has the best defensive statistics on paper amongst all the other CBs we've been linked with. It'll be interesting to see which role he takes on in our central defence - Vermy's often the one that attacks the first ball with Kos intercepting/sweeping.

Arteta :
A surprise signing at the very last minute, although Arsene has long been a fan since he was first linked with us few seasons ago. Many would have known I personally prefer Tim Cahill but to be fair they are somewhat different players. At 29 he's likely to be in the peak of his game, but he's never going to be one that will last us a decade where we could build a team around him. The question is Mikael or Aaron? I choose the former, but Aaron would benefit from having someone to learn from rather than shoulder the weight on his own at 20. He is, after all, no Fabregas.

Yossi :
A player whom I admired but never thought will sign for us. As mentioned above he's probably the closest we have to Pires. However at 31 he's even less likely to be in Arsene's long term plans, but that's no complaint since what we need is indeed short term solutions. Only a loan deal for now, but better than nothing.

Gervy :
Already showed us what he can do, but just keep in mind that his first touch can frequently be Adebayoresque and will frustrate many. His never-say-die, running-all-over-the-pitch attitude more than makes up for it though. Great buy.

Ryo :
Too soon. Carling Cup will be his stage.

Ox :
At this price tag, the expectations will be sky high. Seems as explosive as Theo, but has a stronger physique. Still, his lack of experience will limit his opportunities. Carling Cup again.

Carl :
Slaughtered in his formal first team experiences, but no one expected him to be first team material straight away. Will learn from Bak, but will he develop fast enough to deputise for Bak should the need arise?

Joel Cambell :
For all the trouble we got through to sign him, he better be as good as Thierry Henry in the next few years. Already didn't like him when he ffk during the first signing, but us fans are easy to win over. Loaned to Lorient, and if he can't set the Ligue 1 alight I can't forsee how he would fare in EPL.

Nick :
Sunderland, not Stoke. I'd be more happy had he left England as our old chaps often tend to score against us. Still would prefer him to Chamakh but Arsene rarely stands in one's way had he made up his mind to leave. A loan deal means we could still bring him back next season if he stars for Sunderland, yet I wouldn't put my money on him wanting to return.

Traore :
Bye. Never seemed like making the grade after 6 years. Never flourished at Pompey nor Juve. Says much about how ordinary a player he is.

Eboue :
Will miss his spirit, his antics, and his smile; but as a player he's nothing more than a backup utility player. Wouldn't hurt to keep him, yet if someone is interested it's no surprise that he's gone.

Sunu :
Permanent departure to Lorient. Goodbye. Came with fairly good hype but probably too young to make an impact at top level.

JET :
The one that had the most promise among our previous batch of youngsters - amongst others like Merida, Jay Simpson, Nacer, etc. But like all of them, there must be some important ingredient that's missing.

Lansbury:
Despite having a fairly good season with Norwich, despite all the hype from the fans, he simply doesn't seem to get the nod from Arsene. And whenever he gets them, he seems very mediocre. Still would have liked to see how he fares with the usual 10-20 minute weekly, but wouldn't be surprised if he leaves next season, or even in Jan.

Vela:
Last chance. Flop again in Spain, you're off.