If we lost Alexis and Ozil, which world class player would even consider joining us? We're the jokes of Europe. At best we'll get a couple of up and coming players looking to use us as a stepping stone for their big dream move. We can't attract players of equal standard.

That will suit Wenger because he'll have a ready made excuse that nobody was available. His first instinct isn't to build a title winning team, it's to cover his own arse in case he fails. Mourinho was right, he really is a specialist in failure.