ed note: For the second year in a row, Arsenal sign a Chelsea player in the dying moments of the transfer window. I guess that’s what I get for leaving work early and grabbing a few beers! - mikek
From BBC Sport
Arsenal completed a late move to sign midfielder Lassana Diarra from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.
The Gunners say the 22-year-old Frenchman, who can play at right-back, has signed a long-term deal.
The former Le Harve player said: “I have great respect for the manager Arsene Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays.
“Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies.”
Diarra, who has played for France in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, will wear the number eight shirt.
Wenger added: “Lassana is a multi-functional player, making him a great addition to our squad. Not only is he hard working, he has a creative edge and is comfortable playing in the middle of the pitch or at right-back.”
6 Responses to “Arsenal sign Diarra from Chelsea”
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September 1st, 2007 at 7:50 am
multi-positional players are always a plus since they can fill a variety of holes if injury requires…another frenchman, Vive la Arsenal !!!
September 1st, 2007 at 9:56 am
Stick him straight in and player Gilberto at the back I say.
September 1st, 2007 at 10:09 am
DannyT, Diarra’s got to learn our system before we stick him straight in and play Gilberto at the back. That means Flamini or Denilson before Diarra straight in the team.
I know your post is more to your absolute dislike for Senderos but we should give him another chance to show and prove how much he’s developed. I know he’s had time and everyone at Arsenal America knows he’s not my favorite Arsenal player, but let’s see what he does with his chance.
September 1st, 2007 at 12:45 pm
He’s young, he’s French, he sat on Chelsea’s bench, Lassana, Lassana!
September 1st, 2007 at 6:23 pm
The quicker Diarra learns the system the better, he is 22 - not 17. Gilberto at the back with Diarra in midfield is stronger than Senderos at the back with Gilberto in midfield. Senderos has had 48 chances to “show how much he’s developed”, and the fact is he hasn’t developed one inch he’s exactly the same player now as the one who made his debut three years ago. A panicking, unintelligent defender with concentration problems. I don’t want another 3 years of that thanks.
I doubt Diarra wants to come off Chelsea’s bench and sit on Arsenal’s behind Gilberto, Diaby and Denilson. Might as well play him as soon as possible, although I doubt Wenger will see it that way.
September 1st, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Funny you just referenced the Gilberto v. Senderos in the back 4 since I made my prediction of who starts for the game in the preview thread. I think Diarra will feature ahead of Denilson and Flamini soon. I also think he becomes a backup choice for RB this season (preferred over Hoyte). Senderos will likely be fazed out unless he shows something special this year- it just won’t be soon enough for some here! Flamini and Hoyte will also likely faded away..
IF we signed him for 2 mil plus change I recall the Muamba sale to Birmingham- for nearly the same price! Wenger is staying young but still strengthening for this season IMO.