Can Arsenal afford to let this talented individual follow Robin Van Persie to Manchester United?

Over the last few seasons, Arsene Wenger has slowly developed a habit of allowing some of his best players to join some of his biggest rivals. Manchester City have snapped up any half-decent Arsenal player with glee, building a team out of Wengerites who are looking for the chance for real success (and a neat contract). But Wenger really took the biscuit when he sold the Gunners best player, Robin Van Persie, to Manchester United, a long-term rival.

I think it’s fair to suggest it’s a massive step backwards for the club and they’ve struggled to replace him. He’s arguably the best out-and-out striker in the world, but Wenger let him leave. Clearly there’s a price for everybody.

So whilst I’d cast some doubt on this latest rumour in Emirates 24/7, it does have a faint air of possibility surrounding it. They claim that their lanky midfielder, Abou Diaby, could be the next man to jump ship and swim to Old Trafford.

Well, Sir Alex Ferguson has already snapped up one Arsenal crock, he might as well add another to his roster.

Abou Diaby has a pretty serious injury record. It’s no exaggeration to claim that in the last two-three seasons, he has missed many more games than he played. If Sir Alex was unwilling to put up with Owen Hargreaves lack of fitness, why would he actively seek out another player with a similar record?

Of course, we all know what Diaby’s capable of. Last month, the Frenchman put in his best ever performance in an Arsenal shirt against Liverpool. He completely dominated Steven Gerrard and Nuri Sahin, demonstrating his athleticism and grace. He’s got a Yaya Toure like ability to carve a path through opponent’s midfields and run straight through it. Arsene Wenger has been singing his praises all season and at one stage it looked like he was returning to full fitness.

But, naturally, he’s currently out injured. Serious doubts has to be raised about whether he’ll ever be able to play more than 20 games per season. Whilst I can see why Arsenal may wish to sell him, I can’t see why Manchester United would want to buy him.

This is a signing that just wouldn’t make any sense. Let’s hope that Sir Alex steers clear of this one.

What’s your take, would Abou Diaby be a good addition at Old Trafford?

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