I’m not going to go into paragraphs of reasons why I think these solutions work, I’ll simply state what I think are two very good options.

Option #1. Take Jonathan Woodgate on loan from Real Madrid for a season.

If he stays injury free he is an excellent player and would become a huge asset for the Gunners. He would be a natural fit with Toure and would allow Toure the freedom to become a more attacking C.B.

Option #2. Bolton’s Tunisian C.B Jaidi is 30 now and looking to move out of the Reebok.

A 1 – 2 year deal at Arsenal would give the Gunners a better cover option than Cygan when either Toure or Senderos are out of the side.

I believe either one of these players would work out well,, with my first choice being of course “Woody”.

Given our shortfalls in central defense and defensive midfield, I’m perplexed about the season long loans of Kerrea Gilbert and Fabrice Muamba. As I understand it, Gilbert can play both central defense and fullback. He played a useful role during our defensive crisis last season and showed a lot of promise. He’s less experienced than Djourou but seems quicker and more advanced than Joe O?Cearuill. Hence, I can’t understand the shipping out of a guy who could be our current #4 in central defense.

Muamba has been impressive in the friendlies. He’s smaller than Song but evidently a much better passer and dribbler. I’m nervous with Song as #2 in DM!

I have less problem with loaning Seb Larsson. We’re full of attacking midfielders at the moment.

I’m guessing that Arsene still values these guys and thinks they’ll advance faster with regular PT, but we’re taking a very big chance, I think. Just an injury away from some very raw youngsters going in the thick of it. Can anyone shed light on these seemingly strange moves?

Thanks