Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira reckons that the Gunners' spirit and stability will enable them to combat the threat Chelsea will now pose as a result of Roman's millions.
Despite the fact that Arsenal have added just keeper Jens Lehmann to their squad whilst Chelsea have splashed out over £100m on new talent, Vieira is neither envious nor fearful.
"We have banked on stability, the club did not recruit, but it does not mean we are not ambitious. We have the means to go far in the Champions League," said Vieira, who reckons that the Gunners will continue to prosper because the spirit of the Tony Adams' era lives on at Highbury.
He added: "When I arrived at Highbury eight years ago, there were players like Tony Adams, Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn and Steve Bould. Today they're gone but the spirit's still here.
"That's what makes the club so strong. After training, we all go out for dinner together and from the cook to the president, you can feel respect everywhere."
Talking of respect, Vieira has nothing but for Arsene Wenger, saying: "Everything starts from him, he is so open-minded and he's the one who taught us respect and I believe that's something you don't have in every football club."
Liverpool's Senegalese star El Hadji Diouf has apologised publicly for the spitting incident which led to being him fined £5,000 by a court in Glasgow yesterday, issuing an impassioned plea for forgiveness in the process.
A statement issued by Liverpool on behalf of the player read: "I want to say again how sorry I am for what happened at Celtic Park but hope people will understand how shocked I was when I was struck on the back of the head.
"As was made clear on Thursday, such an action in Senegal carries a very different and degrading meaning. My immediate reaction reflected what I took as a very deliberate provocation. It was wrong and is a mistake I'll not make again.
"I sincerely hope this incident will not affect the great relationship between the two clubs and their supporters and want to publicly wish Celtic and their fans all the best at home and in the Champions League this season."
Today's Sun has exclusively revealed that Leeds striker Alan Smith is set to follow Vinnie Jones into the acting world and is to be offered a role, as a Leeds fan, in a new footie film called The Penalty King.
The British film, due out next year, is a black comedy about a blind man who overcomes his disability after a visitation from the ghost of Elland Road legend Billy Bremner.
Smith, who will act as a fan alongside former Altered Images lead singer Clare Grogan, reckons the role will be second nature to him.
The England international said: "Although I'm paid to play football - and that will always come first - to play a Leeds United fan would hardly be acting for me. All I've heard is that it's a possibility. We'll have to see what happens."
The casting company behind Lord Of The Rings are involved and also hope to persuade another fiery footballer, Dennis Wise, to join the cast.
Birmingham striker Geoff Horsfield has been told he can leave the club and he looks set to join Wigan on a three-year deal after Blues accepted a £500,000 offer.
He doesn't sound too chuffed with the idea though, as he admits: "I'm absolutely gutted to be leaving Birmingham, this came out of the blue. I don't really want to go but I've got to.
"I'm talking terms with Wigan and there are just bits and bobs to sort out, it looks like I'm off there. The gaffer explained his reasons and said the offer was too good to turn down. I was shocked when he came to me and told me, but that's football I suppose. You've just got to get on with things."
Steve Bruce paid tribute to Horsfield, saying: "Horse has done brilliantly over the last couple of years I've been here. Never mind his footballing ability, he's led from the front for me in the dressing room and on the pitch. But the offer was a good one and I can't guarantee him a place in our first team."
Today's tabloids today report that Manchester United want to sign Nigerian teenagers John Mikel and Promise Isaac, whilst Newcastle are said to be tracking the progress of Lazio youngster Gianluca Russo who has been invited for a trial.
