Cesc, Merida, Mertesacker and Van Persie's Goals Against Mexico

After the events of yesterday it's back to the humdrum of normal Arsenal life today. With all the fuss over Cesc yesterday I forgot to mention that Fran Merida had packed his bags and left on a free transfer for Atletico Madrid as his contract at Arsenal had expired (or it will very shortly).

To be honest, it wasn't exactly much of a surprise as it had been widely speculated on since the January transfer window. He's only 20 and he could have a good future ahead of him but he was clearly fairly far down the pecking order at Arsenal and decided that he stood a better chance at Atletico.

I wish him well and hope his talent flourishes and he becomes a top-class player. I don't know if we are entitled to any compensation from Atletico but I doubt it very much.

In transfer news, we are again linked with Gary Cahill of Bolton, and while he is a fairly good center-back the fee quoted of €30 million is a joke and we won't even be interested in signing him for half of that amount, in my opinion. I still like the look of Mertesacker, although his club have said he is not for sale.

There has been no word from Arsenal on it, but I would like us to test their resolve before the World Cup by tabling an offer. Another center-back to be mentioned is Laurent Kosciecny of Lorient, and I have to admit to knowing little or nothing about him.

RVP scored two very good goals for his country against Mexico in a 2-1 win last night and it again got me wondering how our season would have progressed with him in it for the whole season. Before his injury in November we were scoring more than three goals a game but after it we scored less than two goals a game.

I know it wasn't all down to him being out injured, but he was in fantastic form at the time and he looked like the player we all hoped he would become a few years ago. If he can stay fit for all of next season I am confident that he will be one of the very best strikers in the Premier league.

Of course, for RVP to continue scoring freely it would be nice to have Cesc at the club too. I was pretty much resigned to losing him after yesterday's interview but after speaking with a few fellow Gooners I am not so sure any more. I did make the point that our summer signings might be what tips the balance in favor of him staying and a few other people are of that opinion too.

Let's hope it's true and the boss can identify the players needed and purchase them as soon as possible to make the decision a little easier for all concerned. The news today would seem to indicate that Arsenal have said that Cesc is not for sale at any price and I hope that is true.

That's the lot for today as things are a little quiet. I have managed to find the official FIFA World Cup Fantasy Football game and I'll link it on tomorrow's blog along with the code to join my league. The players can't be picked until the actual squads are finalised on June fourth but you can set up your profile and be ready to roll on that date.

Here are RVP's goals from last night.

Here's a look at what Cesc can do.

See you tomorrow.