Reports emerged from Spain recently that Louis van Gaal wanted to bring Alexis to Manchester United (who could blame him?) and the forward was happy to move if Arsenal failed to progress to the Champions League knock-out stages.

Miraculously, the ‘deal’ is now off because, after beating Olympiacos 3-0 on Wednesday night, we have progressed.

Obviously the story is complete guff. Firstly, Alexis has only been at the club five minutes. Secondly, why would he leave Arsenal next summer just because we didn’t go through to the knock-out stages now?

Regardless, we are through and Manchester United are out… so…

If Van Gaal does want to rudely steal Alexis, it’s hardly a surprise. The forward is unreal and his work rate is out of this world. United haven’t been in the best form as of late and looking at someone willing to fight for the team must be enticing.

Even still, hands off.