One by one the more exotic Arsenal targets fell by the wayside, today.
But we have realpolitik and experience.
Arteta is similar to Cesc in that he is Barcelona trained and has a hero in Pep Guardiola.
But Cesc has 100 assists in 309 appearances and 59 goals, while Mikel has under half that 41 in 344 games with 33 goals.
The potential deal is £10m with a four year contract.
Yossi Benayoun who is still in negotiations for a loan deal has a higher goal ratio of 129 in 470 appearances.
Not the wow signings, that have been in the media for the last few days. Nor even like for like in terms of quality, some would argue. But there’s creativity and experience.
And Benayoun is an international captain, which would increase the number of club and international and club captains at Arsenal to include – Van Persie, Mertesacker, Rosicky, Arshavin, Benayoun, Vermaelen, Ramsey and Park.
Bendtner is negotiating with Sunderland.