Soccer World: The saga is over - now the real work starts for Arsenal

So, finally, the transfer saga that has kept a small army of journalists busy over the past two years has finally come to a close - much thumb twiddling may now ensue following Cesc Fabregas' tortuous move from Arsenal to Barcelona.

We are, of course, not privy to the intricate details of the transfer but from what we can glean from the endless reels of news reports on the issue it is clear that both player and club have wanted the move for some time.

Credit to Wenger for holding onto his star midfielder for perhaps a year longer than most people expected, but with just over a fortnight to go until the close of the transfer window and a crucial Champions League qualifier imminent, why has the Gunners boss let this drag on so long?

For only now does Wenger (supposedly) have the funds to go out and bring in replacements. Though given his stubbornness to date don't be surprised if he brings in another batch of untried teenagers 'for the future'.

Their first live football of the season up at Newcastle on Saturday failed to convince me that any of their failings from last season had been addressed. They were easy on the eye as ever and had the bulk of the possession, but with Newcastle understandably defending in numbers the game often slowed down to walking pace.

They lacked that zip and drive needed to unlock the Magpies defence. On this evidence I wouldn't fancy their Premier League odds this season without significant reinforcements.

I'm sure Arsenal will tell you that the delay to the Fabregas deal was down to the club driving a hard bargain, hoping to get the best possible deal for the club. But by doing that they are also limiting the amount of time they have to bring in replacements. Other clubs will now see Wenger with a bucket load of Barca's cash and a clock rapidly ticking towards the deadline.

In teasing out a few extra million from Barca Wenger may now have to shell out more on replacements. Except that Wenger is at his most stubborn when it comes to spending cash, so will he be prepared to write some hefty cheques to plug the gaps in his creaking side?

I have my doubts.

Soccer World: Keane dismisses title contenders

People are predicting the Premier League title race is going to be a classic over the coming season, but Roy Keane disagrees with this and reckons it will be a one-horse race.

The former Old Trafford captain reckons Manchester United will romp to the Premier League title and not be worried about the presence of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson recently said he thinks up to six teams – including Liverpool and Spurs – will be in Premier League title contention over the course of the season and he was predicting a tight race. Anyone looking at the football betting may be thinking the same.

There is no doubt Chelsea are looking for glory under new manager Andres Villas-Boas, while City are spending manically in the hope of getting ahead of United.

The likes of Liverpool and Spurs are also looking to build through spending, while Arsenal have also been looking to improve but have concerns about losing Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri and the football odds show they could struggle.

Ferguson himself has spent £50 million-plus during the summer to transform his team as he ensures they stay ahead of the chasing pack, but Keane thinks the title is a sure thing as he claims Chelsea will "self-destruct" and fall behind, Arsenal "have not really bought anybody" and Liverpool are "nowhere near" winning the Premier League title.

The outspoken Irishman told the Sun: "Even Sir Alex Ferguson said the other day the league's getting tougher. But I don't think so.

"If United are really at it, which they will be, they'll win it comfortably."

There remains constant speculation that Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder could be on his way to United, and if Ferguson gets his man then the arrival of such a top player could swing the Premier League title battle firmly in his side's favour.

Football World:Will the bubble actually burst?

With football financial fair play rules on the horizon a warning once again has been sent out to football clubs about the potential financial disaster awaiting those who don't curb their wild spending.

A new report by José María Gay de Liébana - football finance specialist at the University of Barcelona - this month warns a "football bubble crash" across Europe if clubs don't start acting responsibly.

This comes in the wake of many of Europe's top sides threatening a break-away league, no doubt encouraged by the sight of packed out stadiums across the World for lucrative pre-season friendlies.

But will this elusive crash ever happen? I have heard these warnings for years, with club's making losses year-on-year and debts being racked up, I wouldn't bet on the Premier League bubble bursting anytime soon.

There have been a few high profile casualties, notably Leeds and Portsmouth in the Premier League. But even in their darkest days did they ever go bust? No.

Football is in a unique position of having such a slavishly loyal fan-base. They are the dream consumer, who will keep going to watch football live almost regardless of results.

Some domestic based fans are becoming tired of the corporate take-over of the game and the sky-high ticket prices (get it?). But they are no longer the fans that matter. Chairman and owners want the new supporters in Asia or America, or to put it in their language – emerging markets.

Look at the recent US-based friendly between Barcelona and Man United. Thousands of fans in replica shirts, clutching their bags packed full of merchandise. They no doubt have website subscriptions and magazine orders meaning they will watch the team at all hours – and pay for it.

As long as this tap of cash remains on then this bubble will not burst. Rich men will come in to make a fast buck and if FIFA or UEFA try to curb it they will simply pick up their ball and go elsewhere.

The only losers will be the fans at home who have supported the club for decades but now feel priced out the game that was once theirs. But the game just keeps on rumbling on – as long as you're prepared to pay for it.