Foreign players will have to talk a good game under new immigration rules that are due to come into force in the autumn. Players from outside the European Union will have one year to learn English and to pass an exam to prove that they have mastered the basics. If they fail, they will be forced to pack up their boots and head home.

The measures are part of the new points-based visa system that the Government is introducing, which has been backed by Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager. “Personally, I am for the rule,” Wenger said. “I believe that if you go to a foreign country you have to have the ambition to speak the language. If you want to understand the culture of a country, it is very difficult if you do not speak the language.”

The exam will not be too challenging and only a basic grasp of English will be required to pass it with flying colours. That will suit the players, but Wenger is worried that they could abuse the system if they get a better offer from another club in a different country. “The players will get a year work permit,” he said “After one year they have to pass the test. Knowing our world, the player could choose to be very bad at English if he has been tapped up by somebody else.”

Two Arsenal players who find it difficult to speak to each other in any language are William Gallas and Kolo Touré. The centre backs fell out after the 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa and are unlikely to play together for the first time since Boxing Day against Cardiff City at Ninian Park tomorrow. “They get on OK,” Wenger said. “In football you don’t have to go on holiday together to play together. Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskas never spoke to each other, but when you saw them play you would never have guessed that.”

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One player who will need to work on his English if he joins Arsenal this month is Andrei Arshavin. The Russia playmaker wants to move to the Emirates Stadium from Zenit St Petersburg, but Arsenal are refusing to pay the £18 million asking price. “I’m focused on the players I have,” Wenger said. “He is 2 per cent of my worries.”