Tuesday, 21st August 2007 at 4:47 pm

David Beckham off to Arsenal?

David Beckham, his first stint lighting up North American football completed, is back in England this week ahead of a friendly international - but could be contemplating a slightly longer return? Arsene Wenger was at England training, catching up with a number of players, one of whom was Beckham. A long chat, followed by a fond farewell handshake - could this have been more than just an amiable exchange on football, the weather, and life in downtown LA?

Unlikely, to be honest - the glamour of his new slice of American celebrity won’t have faded yet, and the Galaxy are clearly enamoured with their star acquisition. Plus, given what they’ve paid for him, giving him up to Arsenal is something they’re unlikely to consider (remember how fruitless Madrid’s efforts were to hang on to Beckham after the Galaxy deal had been signed).

But a stormer in this week’s friendly, and subsequent performances of note in an England jersey, will encourage the Premiership’s bigger names to seriously consider a Hollywood raid. The chance to play in England again, and possibly have a last chance at Champions League football? It’s celebrity and commercial ambition, versus footballing desire; give it a couple of months, and Beckham’s American future may well come under the spotlight again.