Adebayor: Just like Marmite - you either love him or you hate him!

I think even Perry Groves has been mentioned as a possible replacement for the departed Hleb!

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Press your red button to hear Ali commentating on Arsenal v West Brom on Saturday, KO 12.45pm.

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• Emmanuel Adebayor
• Samir Nasri
• More PlayersAaron RamseyJack Wilshere

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Arsenal FanZone commentator Ali May-Khalil is in a confident mood ahead of the 2008/09 Premier League kick-off.

Ali will be in the commentary box for FanZone and he's looking forward to casting his eye over a few new faces in the Arsenal line-up.

Well it's been a long, hard close season. Too many beer sessions to mention as I've attempted to while away the days before the mighty Arsenal begin their assault on the forthcoming Premier League.

The Euros did little to appease me, although I did enjoy the moment Cesc stepped up and planted the penalty away to knock-out the Italians. It was a great moment for all Arsenal fans and it was only bettered when the little maestro collected his winners' medal. I was absolutely delighted for him - as I'm sure all Gooners were - after missing out so cruelly on trophies with us last year.

Good news on Eddie as it's reported he'll be back in November after his horrendous injury. It'll be great to see you back amongst the goals Ed.

New contracts have been handed out to Clichy (the best left-back in the world) and Sagna (the best right-back in the world) which comes as good news for us all. More about contracts later...

I have been glued to SkySports.com (not during work hours boss, honest!) and Sky Sports News to see who we are being linked with on almost an hourly basis. The tabloids have us linked with nearly every player in the world. I think even Perry Groves has been mentioned as a possible replacement for the departed Hleb!

I am disappointed in Hleb, especially when he was shown kissing his new Barcelona badge. It's his loss though, as you all know when you leave the Arsenal it's downhill from then on...

New faces

I would like to see a couple of new faces join Nasri and Ramsey in the squad. We must remember that we only finished four points behind Man United last season, so surgery is not required in my opinion. We need stability and continuity - players who want to wear the famous red and white and fit into our beautiful game.

I feel a centre-half is vital if we are to challenge for silverware as well as an experienced, holding midfielder. Someone in the mould of Yaya Toure would do nicely. If we can keep Rosicky fit (fat chance!) and get RVP a good run, then I think we can challenge.

All would depend, of course, upon keeping the current squad together. With the Flamster gone (no great loss in my eyes) and now Alex "I don't like London because it's noisy" Hleb, we must bring in quality.

A big "thank you" goes to the invisible wall Gilberto. Top player, true gent and a professional. He will be missed, as will the mad German Jens Lehman - two more of The Invincibles gone leaving just Kolo.

Nasri looks the part and will fill Hleb's shoes - and you never know may even get us a goal!

Eboue needs to contribute a lot more this season. Not even one goal from him last year - must do better Manu if you want to stay my friend.

We are well stocked in the "creative" department with Rosicky, Cesc, Diaby, Nasri, RVP, Walcott and Denilson. And big things are set to come this season from young Theo. He started to show his true potential towards the later stages of last season and now he's ready to explode!

Divided opinion

This brings me onto Mr Adebayor, a man who divides opinion amongst the Arsenal faithful. I personally think he is average but capable of flashes of brilliance. Unfortunately "flashes" are not enough.

If the papers are to be believed then he is asking for parity with the earnings of Thierry Henry - £120 grand a week! Well, you are a million miles away from him fella. And I say if there is someone out there stupid enough to pay £30m for him then we should rip their arm off.

I personally would like to see him sold with some of the income spent on a player such as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar or Roque Santa Cruz and the rest put into the bank to help with the loan repayments. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the guy but I just think it would be very good business for a player who cost us £6m and has had one good season.

But it looks as though he is staying now and his badge-kissing session after his penalty against Real Madrid in the Emirates Cup made me sick.

Having said all that, I dearly hope he can repeat his goal-scoring form in the new campaign.

A huge bonus this pre-season has been the emergence of young Jack Wilshere. He's been given a squad number and looks very good indeed. He needs time to develop, though, of course. I also think we will see some great stuff from Nicklas Bendtner - I really rate this lad. Also Carlos Vela is back from his various loans. Highly-rated by Mr Wenger so let's see...

So, we all await the actions of the board before August 31st. For now we will just keep the faith and look towards the start of what promises to be an exciting season. I can't wait and I'm more than ready.

Come on you Arsenal, let's put a trophy in the cabinet to show reward for our beautiful football. We can do it and every Gooner is right behind you boys come what may.

Curtain up August 16th - up the Arsenal!