To properly comprehend the full dimensions of another mind-boggling Real Madrid transfer, it is perhaps worth going back to the base of it all. Or, at least, the beginning of Florentino Perez’s first stint at the club in 2000.

Arsene Wenger praised Jack Wilshere’s offensive skills as title-chasing Arsenal sent Wolves to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League with a fine attacking display at the Emirates.

MODEL Noemie Lenoir is on the mend following her apparent suicide bid, it was disclosed yesterday.

From marriage proposals live on TV and wishing he could gun down dodgy Leos, to dissing Wenger and ‘Comedian’ Mourinho, Raymond Domenech’s controversial comments would earn him the trophy for the world’s whackiest football manager — and that’s one more trophy than he’s actually won as a coach.

FLORENTINO PEREZ isn’t afraid to spend.

Chelsea captain John Terry has strongly rejected claims made by former team-mate Claude Makelele that he was in any way responsible for Jose Mourinho’s sacking in September 2007.

LASSANA DIARRA admitted the lure of Spanish giants Real Madrid was just too great to turn down after completing his “dream” switch to the Bernabeu from Portsmouth.

Cameroon international Lauren believes Real Madrid have got themselves a potential star if they complete the signing of his Portsmouth team-mate Lassana Diarra.

I NEVER did like the Carling Cup anyway, it’s a Mickey Mouse competition; I’m glad we’re out, it means we can concentrate on the league — have I covered all the cliches yet?

WIN OR LOSE, the one constant watching Chelsea these last couple of weeks has been the torrential rain.

ALTHOUGH a point a piece was a fair result, I couldn’t shake off the feeling we missed a chance to put United to the sword, or, rather, that Anelka missed the chance . . . again!

MIKEL JOHN OBI is confident he can take over from Claude Makelele in the Chelsea midfield after the departure of the veteran Frenchman.

NEW Paris St Germain signing Claude Makelele insists it has long been his dream to end his career in the French capital — but believes he may continue to play for some time yet.

New Paris St Germain signing Claude Makelele insists it has long been his dream to end his career in the French capital – but believes he may continue to play for some time yet.

Former France international Claude Makelele is set to sign for Paris St Germain, the Ligue 1 club confirmed on Monday.

MARRIAGE may be in the offing for Raymond Domenech, but his divorce from France’s national team should be finalised in the coming weeks after their abject showing at Euro 2008.

Lilian Thuram joined France team-mate Claude Makelele in retiring from international football after Les Bleus’ elimination from Euro 2008.

France and Italy walk out for their trans-Alpine clash at Zurich’s Letzigrund tonight knowing their Euro 2008 fate lies in the hands of Romania.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant will make a late check on Ricardo Carvalho’s back injury ahead of the Barclays Premier League clash against Bolton on Sunday.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant has a fully-fit squad to choose from ahead of the clash with Newcastle on Monday.

Frank Lampard looks set to return for Chelsea against Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night.

Chelsea left grieving Frank Lampard out of their line-up for today’s Premier League title showdown against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant will be without grieving Frank Lampard for their Barclays Premier showdown against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez recalled eight players for tonight’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea at Anfield.

Chelsea coach Avram Grant will be hoping that goalkeeper Petr Cech has finally recovered from his ankle problem to be included in the squad to face Manchester City tomorrow.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is back in the squad for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Fenerbahce.

AVRAM GRANT still believes Arsenal remain a title threat despite last Sunday’s 2-1 victory over the Gunners at Stamford Bridge.

Avram Grant still believes Arsenal remain a title threat despite last Sunday’s 2-1 victory over the Gunners at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant faces an anxious wait to see if captain John Terry and midfielder Frank Lampard will be fit enough to face Middlesbrough on Sunday.

The Examiner’s football correspondent Liam Mackey likes a good argument when he hears it, and he’s got strong views of his own. Today, and every Tuesday, he will be acting as referee on your opinions on the Premiership. Let him know what you think and he’ll argue the toss with you. We’ll be offering a free sports prize to the star contribution each week.

The Examiner’s football correspondent Liam Mackey likes a good argument when he hears it, and he’s got strong views of his own. Every week, he will be acting as referee on your opinions on the Premier League. Let him know what you think and he’ll argue the toss with you. We’ll be offering a free sports prize to the star contribution each week.

ASKED after the final whistle at Old Trafford yesterday what result he wanted from the upcoming game down at Stamford Bridge, Alex Ferguson hardly sprang a surprise by opting for a draw.

Germany international Michael Ballack returned to the Chelsea side for their Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Petr Cech’s fitness is the only major problem facing Chelsea coach Avram Grant ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

France coach Raymond Domenech has named 10 players from the Barclays Premier League in his squad to face England in a friendly in Paris next week.

Tottenham 4 Chelsea 4

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech could be fit enough to return to first team action against Tottenham at White Hart Lane tomorrow.

Chelsea coach Avram Grant has just one injury problem ahead of their clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has been ruled out of the FA Cup quarter-final against Barnsley and his ankle injury is expected to sideline him for at least a further week.

Chelsea 3 Olympiacos 0 (3-0 on aggregate)

Chelsea boss Avram Grant can recall Didier Drogba for the Champions League last-16 clash against Olympiakos after resting the striker at the weekend.

AVRAM GRANT, if in reflective mood this morning, may well suggest his gamble to launch an attack on the English media has paid quite spectacular dividends.

Chelsea have no fresh injury worries ahead of their trip across London to face West Ham tomorrow.