I am looking forward to having a good look at some of these players in the next week or so. While it would have been ideal to have had new signings during the tour, it is not always possible to get the players you want instantly. I have no idea why there is a hold up of the Gervinho deal but hopefully that can be pushed through before the players fly off. Mainly because I want to see him and nothing

After being starved from football for a couple of months, I cannot wait for the pre season games to start. It is the same every year, it usually comes hand in hand with the sunshine, a new kit and usually a new player or two. This time the latter might not happen apart from young Carl Jenkinson. Sometimes just as exciting as a new signing on display is a youngster being given a chance to mix it with the first team.

Jack Wilshere has lit up the Emirates cup since the age of 16, while Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin took over at Barnet a few years ago.

The slate seems to be wiped clean and the youngsters who have been working hard at their game in the reserves get to rub shoulders with the established performers. The level in the reserves seems to be rising and is getting closer and closer to the first team so these young players have a real chance to push themselves into Arsene’s thoughts before the cheque book comes out, or at least that is what we hope.

While the likes of Phil Jones are being transferred for £16m to Manchester United, we have a player who is of similar age and has Champions League experience under his belt, not only that but he has slipped into defensive midfield in Scottish football without any problems. Yes of course I am talking about Kyle Bartley. While Arsene Wenger will already have his fingers stuck into Gary Cahill shaped pies, he is unlikely to jump in head first without seeing what he already has on his doorstep.

Why fork out a massive chunk of your transfer budget on a defender to do the same role as one you have in your squad? If Bartley comes through the tests in training and matches and shows the requisite strengths that our current squad is missing then it is a no-brainer.

The pre season gives Arsene Wenger a chance to see how much a player has grown, if that player is physically ready for the demands of a long season in arguably the toughest league in the world. He also gets a chance to see the determination, hunger and maturity of a player.

One thing that struck me whilst standing in the stands at Barnet last pre season was how mature and strong Jack Wilshere looked. I remember Jack having a go at Andrey Arshavin for some reason or other. He no longer looked like a kid amongst men, he looked ready and was given a chance. Emmanuel Frimpong was equally impressive in a different role for the team. Physically he looked stronger than everyone else, thundered into tackles and gave it simple. We know what happened to him shortly after but the slate is wiped clean and he can get his chance to prove himself once again.

Arsenal have been very clever by giving youngster Ryo Miyaichi a picture special on the official website just before we fly out to flash our Arsenal coloured knickers in Asia. Ryo will be a big attraction in Asia and he will be on display but anyone who has watched anything of him will know that he is not just a money magnet. He is a very talented, quick and skilful player who has the potential to make the difference in tight games.

Arsene has said that he wants to take a close look at him over pre season and then try and push for a special talent work permit. I would be very surprised if he was sent on loan if there was a chance that we could bring him here. Going from school boy level to the Dutch league and impressing massively shows that he has plenty about him. I am looking forward to seeing him skinning full back’s in China and Malaysia.

While we may not yet be in a position to draft through five reserves into the first team, looking at the younger players we have, it will not be long before a number of them are knocking on the door.

I am looking forward to having a good look at some of these players in the next week or so. While it would have been ideal to have had new signings during the tour, it is not always possible to get the players you want instantly. I have no idea why there is a hold up of the Gervinho deal but hopefully that can be pushed through before the players fly off. Mainly because I want to see him and nothing to do with adapting to Arsenal and his team mates you see.

According to the Evening Standard, we are set to offer Samir Nasri £110,000 per week to commit his future at the club. With the amount of bull that we have had to read over the last few weeks, I automatically do not take much notice of anything anymore but lets go with it for now.

If that is the case then Nasri’s agent has done a sterling job for his client. He has pushed us to the limit and if his intentions were to stay with us all along then he will sign the deal if not then so be it. Such is life, move on and replace. Like I said yesterday, I no longer give two hoots.

Ah, the Evening Standard have said that paperwork issues have held up Gervinho’s signing and that he may not be able to make the trip. That would be rubbish wouldn’t it? Having a signing that cannot take part because of paperwork probably sat in a Spurs supporters desk in France.

I would make a joke of the Motta, Mata transfer rumours but I just couldn’t make it funny if I tried, so I just won’t. Not even a lame secondary joke about it either.

Motta wants to stay at Inter Milan according to his agent and Mata story is just confusing. One person says that the buyout clause cannot be activated by non Spanish sides while others are saying we are in talks with him and his representatives. I don’t actually know that much about him really apart from that he looks like an American actor who I cannot remember the name of, which is rather pointless I guess.

Anyway about to go and listen to Arsene’s exclusive interview on the Arsenal player thingy.

Back tomorrow.