If Arsenal are admitting they are only able to sign loan players, then it is staggering that they are happy to let one of their prize assets leave for nothing.
Juventus looks the most likely destination for Aaron Ramsey when his contract runs out at the end of the season. The Italian champions must be rubbing their hands together.
All day on Thursday, sports channels were showing Ramsey's highlights reel. This is a player who has scored some magnificent goals.
In October he rounded off a flowing team move against Fulham which had fans singing: 'We've got our Arsenal back.