by Lewis Ambrose
According to La Provence Abou Diaby has found a club and will become an Olympique Marseille player.
The former Arsenal midfielder is still just 29 but his career has been hampered by injuries, restricting him to just 180 Arsenal appearances between his arrival in January 2006 and eventual departure this summer.
The highly-talented French midfielder was linked with West Bromwich Albion last week but seems to have rejected their interest to return to his native France and play for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who rivalled Tony Pulis for his signature.
Diaby to join #OM after long talks with respected club doctor. Low basic & pay-as-play €. Club to go slow, hoping for 20 games (La Provence)
— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) July 27, 2015
If Diaby could manage 20 games for Marseille that would be an improvement on his last four seasons in London, which have seem his make 22 appearances in total. Ligue 1 is less physically demanding than the Premier League in general but Marseille manager Marcelo Bielsa is known for making his teams cover incredible amount of ground.
An expansive pressing game isn’t one which would suit Diaby but if he has been encouraged by the club doctor and they go slowly with him it could be a great deal for everyone involved.
We wish Abou the best of luck and will be watching on eagerly whenever he gets on the pitch for Marseille, which is hopefully far more often than he has managed in recent Arsenal seasons.