So, Cesc's really going to Barca?

This must be how England felt when Europe fell to Nazi Germany.

Barcelona have just signed Valencia striker David Villa for £34.2million, subject to a medical. He'll sign a 4 year deal and probably replace Henry in the left forward role. But Barcelona aren't pausing for breathe. They've conquered Europe, signed up the biggest gun striker in Spain, and now they're training their eyes across the Channel.

Next up in their sights is Cesc Fabregas.

Barcelona's been at Cesc for years now, but every summer Cesc has always politely refuted claims that he's ready to leave. This time it's a bit different. This time, Cesc said:

"I think I would like to go to Barcelona, whether or not they want me is another thing".

Whether this is a sign of Cesc really wishing to leave Arsenal, or whether it's just exasperation at the end of the season, is something we'll find out in the next few weeks. If it's true, it'll be sad to see Cesc go, but truth be told, I'm also happy for him as well. It's not like he's a money-grubbing, glory-hunting Judas. Cesc just wants to go home, hang with his mates, train under his childhood idol, play for his boyhood club... it just sounds really exciting. If it wasn't for the fact it'll gut our midfield, I'm sure every gooner would wish him nothing but success.

So what would happen if we lost Cesc Fabregas? Will we crack open the transfer kitty and actually buy some players? Or will we just hope Nasri, Diaby and the others will step up next season? It'll be interesting to see, but whatever happens, the Arsenal will be much diminished next year. You can't just replace the guy who's been the heart-beat to the side.

I suppose in about three or four years, we'll have Wilshere and Ramsey in the middle of the park, with Coquelin or Eastmond as our holding midfielder. Song would've slipped into centre-back to partner Vermaelen. Vela and Walcott will be the outside forwards, and Bendtner would be our centre-forward. In three or four years' time, we might well have that youthful side brimming with promise that Wenger's always been on about. But in three or four years' time, Cesc, van Persie, Arshavin and Sagna will all have reached or past their peak. They'd be foolish to waste their careers waiting for a side that may or may not come of age.

So if you're leaving, Cesc, good luck. I wish you all the best.

So on the 339th last day of my 20s, I went to work. Had dinner with a mate, who spent two hours persuading me to call the girl of my dreams and ask her out. Sweated in the car for about ten minutes before calling her. We had a bit a chat, but then I lost mobile connection before I had the guts to ask her. It should've been the first thing I asked her, but I got lost in the sound of her voice in my ear.

Damn, she's amazing.