by Nia Griffiths

On Wednesday, Daily Cannon reported the sad yet understandable news that Abou Diaby had been released from Arsenal but now this seems not to be the case after all.

Diaby, whose career at Arsenal has been blighted by injury after an horrific tackle in 2006 from Sunderland’s Dan Smith effectively shattered his ankle, was one of seven players thought to have been released by the Gunners. However, others who are In The Know, don’t believe this is the last we’ve seen of Diaby in an Arsenal shirt.

In fact, L’equipe’s Bruno Constant, tweeted yesterday: “#Diaby hasn’t been released by #Arsenal. Out of contract. But verbal agreement with the club. Talks ongoing for a new contract.”

Whether this is a) true and b) on a pay-to-play basis, we don’t yet know. In the past, Arsene Wenger has hinted that this might be the case, saying, “I had a chat with him and told him how I can envisage the future. He has to make a decision.

“Of course he understands completely that he has to perform and to show that he can be present in a consistent way. I will see where we go from there. I wouldn’t like to go into details, we have to meet again to see where we go from what I told him.

“It has to be linked a little bit with his presence.”

This would certainly make sense considering the player’s susceptibility to injury.

Diaby has always been a talent and to say what’s happened to him is a ‘shame‘ is an understatement. If he’s happy to stay and work on his fitness while not collecting a regular wage unless he plays, then I’m more than happy to have him and I’m sure the boss is too.