A triumphant end to the Transfer Window.

On somedays there is so little news that our media-hungry society is forced to create headlines to keep everyone sated. On other days there is so much news that, even if you wanted to, you would probably not be able to report everything that happened. Today is one of the latter. Indeed, if it were not for the plethora of stories and important events surrounding our club today, I would be very much still in bed nursing my hangover. I have no shoes on, but I do have them available, so I seem to have the upper hand on Arseblogger.

I stumbled in in the early hours of yesterday morning but was unable to remember how to use my computer, and sky sports seem to be intent on only discussing the cricket. But all has, albeit somewhat painfully, become clear.

Firstly, the big news. The departure of a true Arsenal legend. Pascal Cygan has joined Villareal for £2m. How our negotiators managed to keep a straight face as they concluded this deal is beyond me. I'd like to wish Pascal all the best. I think it'd be fair to say that he never really cut it in the premiership, despite the lying Opta statistics, but he almost always tried his best and that's all you can ask. Sail safe big man. You won't be forgotten.

The deal which kept most of London up all night was also concluded at 11.59 and 59 seconds. Cashley is joining the vapid, financially corrupting ranks of the King's road, while Willy Gallas has left Mourinho & Co., probably flicking him two fingers as he left. Bonjour et bienvenue Willy. A great signing, although I am slightly annoyed by only getting £5m on top of Ash. Still, we have shown Chelsea that we're no pushovers and that we got something from them they didn't want to give us.

The deal concludes one of the most sordid affairs in modern football. I wasn't one of those chanting abuse at Ash at the Villa game, but he has done himself no favours in this business. He may wake up in ten years and realise that, even if he does have medals from Chelsea, that sometimes morality and respect are more important than success and money. I don't actually believe that everyone has a price, but Ash seems to show that a lot do. Getting Gallas is a great boon for us, increasing the experience of our defence. It also leaves Chelsea with only 3 recognised centre-halves. Things could get interesting. I think they should have picked up a makeshift back-up for Wayne Bridge and kept Gallas, so I'm willing to ignore all the lazy journalism that will contend that they've done better out of this deal than us.

'The beast' is our other major signing of the day, albeit only on loan. Little Jose has fled back to Spain, no doubt in terror at the forthcoming English winter. I think he actually did well for us in the time he was here. In some ways he was a victim of his success - even though he actually did ok, he showed glimpses of a truly prodigious talent that he was never consistently able to maintain. All the best Jose, but you need to grow up a little and start being a man. As for Julio - harrah I say. He had a very poor season at Real last year, but this was largely due to Real playing him on the left wing as far as I can remember. A big, bruising midfielder and a goalscorer all in one. Just the player we needed? Do we have any wingers left?

It's unclear whether Ito has joined - please post if you know - while a Brazillian startlet named Denilson has joined. He could be promising? Qui sait.

The West Ham deals are even murkier than on first glance. They have 'bought' the players but not really as they probably haven't paid anything for them, with MSI then recouping their massive future fees. It's all very unseemly and I thought a club like West Ham would know better. Spuds have bought the massively overrated Chimbonda for about twice his worth, even if picking up Malbranque for only £2m is a good little move.

So,in my view, we've massively strengthened on the last day of the window. Baptista + Gallas are better for the squad than Jose and Ash. Cygan is no longer an option, and a few promising youngsters on top. And Rosicky, lest we forget. If nothin else we've got rid of players with a hugely negative connotations, and brought in some fresh blood which should invigorate everyone.

Lastly, I'd like to echo Vital Arsenal by wishing Sir Bobby Robson a speedy recovery. A real legend, and a completely genuine guy who embodies almost everything I love about football. If it wasn't for him and the England 1990 team I may never have started watching football, so thanks Bobby.

til later. Onwards and upwards!