I wasn't ready for this one on a Tuesday night.
Frankly, I wasn't expecting any Arsenal news this week.
But I was reminded of a general desire for exciting Arsenal news by a call from a friend which came at 9.45pm as we were watching Andrew Marr's brilliant History of Modern Britain, the third episode about the Seventies – Wilson, Callaghan, Heath, Bowie, Clockwork Orange – told with great gusto and humour. We adore Andrew Marr.
So I chatted to my Gooner friend and talked him through what I think is happening, and what I think will happen, and promised that he will be my first call if I hear any interesting news.
At 10.45 pm I rang him back and we had a remarkably short conversation.
"That was quick ! Who have we signed?" he said.
"Malouda."
"What position?"
"Left wing."
THIS SCOOP comes from a very good source. But we shall have to wait and see what happens in the next few days.
If it's true, Rosicky will be delighted.
Arsenal's left flank can be worked by somebody who knows the job.
IT' WOULD BE NATURAL for Malouda to prefer Arsenal to Liverpool, as he knows Henry and Gallas very well. He also knows Vieira, Wiltord and Anelka, so he knows a lot about Arsene Wenger and how the manager operates.
Without Pires and Reyes, Wenger has needed a left winger. Like Reyes, Malouda is left footed but he is a totally, totally different player, a rugged, reliable, workmanlike grafter with a solid all-round game. Not an eye-catching flank man. A serious footballer but, for me, more of a midfielder than a winger. A very good signing if it happens. Because he is different to what Arsenal have now. He is not at all like Hleb, Rosicky or Walcott.
FLORENT MALOUDA is five foot eleven and has been at Lyon for four years. He will be 27 next week. He has 28 caps and three goals.
UPDATE, Wednesday night 10.30 pm.
Two of my closest associates insist that, "Malouda won't go to Arsenal, he's not what they need."
And I tend to agree that he is not what they need.
Arsenal need a striker. And they need a midfielder with authority. Somebody whose power and style says, "This is my pitch."