Well, it was great to see that positive result on Saturday and to see that some of Arsenal’s new young stars are getting ever closer to being first team candidates. Wilshere, Ramsey (except for that one big mistake), Miyaichi, Frimpong, Jenkinson… these are all names which I expect to see on the back of Arsenal shirts for a long, long time.

One name that won’t be around in the near future is Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who according to Skysports.com will be moving on this summer. Arsenal have reportedly agreed to terms with several Championship sides, including Ipswich, Burnley and Portsmouth.

The fee is suggested to be around £1million, but a large sell-on fee has been included, should his future club attempt to sell him down the road. Emmanuel-Thomas has had successful loan spells with several clubs, but has never been able to break into the Arsenal first team, appearing only once for the senior side.

Another possible departure is utility-player Emmanuel Eboue, with the Daily Mail Online reporting that Turkish club Galatasaray have tabled a £4million for the Ivory Coast international. Eboue has so far been left out of Arsenal’s preseason travels, supposedly for an injury he’s carrying, but perhaps it was only because a deal was in the works.

I personally feel that the quick start of Carl Jenkinson’s Arsenal career has all but spelled the end for Eboue. I have always admired the spirit that Eboue brings to the club, you could always tell that he was a man who enjoyed every minute he was given to be an Arsenal player. Even with some of the tough times he had on the pitch (the Liverpool Penalty, Wigan in 08), he approached every game like being an Arsenal footballer was the best thing he could think of. And of course you can’t forget the hugs, haha.

I think Arsenal will miss what he can bring, say what you want about some of his performances, but it’s nice to have a player on your squad who can literally fill any role on the pitch. If he does move, I wish him the best.

One player who will definitely NOT be moving this summer is apparently Samir Nasri. Several news sources have reported that the Arsenal board have issued their support to Arsene Wenger, who has repeatedly stated his desire to see the 24-year-old midfielder stay at Arsenal and extend his contract. Chairmen Peter Hill-Wood has admitted it is a gamble, but one that the Gunners are willing to make.

“It is possible we could lose the player on a free transfer but we are prepared to take that risk,” said Hill-Wood.

Less substantiated rumors suggest that Nasri has told teammates that he will not be resigning, and is perfectly willing to play out his final year with the club and move on next summer.

I have to say, this is a massive gamble by Arsenal, especially with rumored offers upwards of £20million reportedly on the table. Arsene has already stayed true to his promise of not letting players with 1 year remaining run down their contracts, selling Gael Clichy after the two sides couldn’t agree.

Nasri is a little different, however. Replacing him will be more expensive and harder to do, common sense suggests that replacing Samir effectively would cost at least as much as Arsenal would get from his sale.

With the season fast approaching, Arsene would be leaving it very late to bring in a replacement, especially the way he negotiates. With the difficult start facing Arsenal in this fast approaching season, and with Cesc Fabregas quietly looking more and more likely to exit the club, keeping a proven player like Samir Nasri looks more and more appealing.

The downside, though, is possibility that Nasri could be moving to a rival for free in 12 months time. If you think selling Samir to Manchester (either club) sounds bad now, letting him leave for free next year is catastrophic. Selling him now at least gives us something, for a club that relies on getting a return on it’s investments, they are taking a remarkably cavalier attitude to this situation.

And that is just the financial consideration. What about the effect’s of having a disgruntled and unhappy star in your squad all year?

Samir has not been one to shy away from controversy, as the spat with William Gallas would indicate, how will he react to being held to his contract against his will? I don’t think he’d go so far as gain a poor reputation, but let’s face it, the last thing Arsenal’s young squad need is a year-long distraction like Samir Nasri’s contract situation will become.