Abou Diaby was finally released by Arsenal on Wednesday, as the French international midfielder ended his eight-year stay with the Gunners after being riddled by injury.
Diaby, 29, was supposed to be the next Patrick Vieria and was given years of support from Arsene Wenger and Arsenal’s fans to try and get fully fit and recapture his best form.
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But Diaby just couldn’t get healthy -- thanks to a laundry list of injuries, many of which will boggle the mind -- and although Wenger is allowing him to remain at the Emirates Stadium this summer to regain his fitness as he looks for a new club as a free agent, reports from the UK are emerging that Diaby could arrive in Major League Soccer.
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The Daily Mirror’s Darren Lewis claims that Diaby is contemplating signing a deal with FC Dallas in MLS, as he aims to play competitively as soon as possible to boost his chances of regaining full-fitness.
How likely is this move on the transfer rumor thermometer? Its certainly plausible.
Right now, Diaby needs to play games and apart from the Scandinavia leagues, the rest of Europe’s top leagues are on a summer break. That leaves MLS as an instant option for Diaby to get minutes and even if he joins Dallas on a short-term deal, it will prepare him for a move to another club in Europe or he may perhaps remain in MLS.
Dallas currently sit sixth in the Western Conference standings and after just one win in their last seven league games they could certainly use a fresh impetus and Diaby’s arrival in midfield may see his experience rub off on promising youngsters Victor Ulloa and Kellyn Acosta.
The only stumbling block may be wages as Diaby has turned down a chance for a pay-as-you-play deal at Arsenal, but he is likely to be desperate to get a chance of regular minutes so perhaps this could be smoothed over with a short-term deal as the transfer window opens on July 8 in MLS.
File this rumor under the: “It would suit everyone if it happened” section of the filing cabinet...
