by Lewis Ambrose

During the week local media in the midlands claimed that Abou Diaby was considering a surprise switch to West Bromwich Albion.

Speaking on Saturday West Brom manager Tony Pulis confirmed that a move it a possibility, insisting that the club could help Diaby rebuild a promising career that has largely been lost to injury. The midfielder was released by Arsenal this summer but, with another Premier League club offering a chance to impress, maybe he could still play in England.

“The big thing with Abou is getting him fit and having the confidence from the medical team to do that,” Pulis said. “He is a top player and I mean he is a top, top player.”

That really goes without saying. Diaby only managed 180 Arsenal appearances since signing in January 2006 but everyone has spoken from Arsène Wenger and his teammates to rival managers and players has only had incredibly kind things to say about the 29 year-old.

“We’ve had a look and we think there are things he can do to improve his chances of playing 30 Premier League games,” Pulis insisted. “We’re confident we can help him do that. Whether he accepts that and the ethos of the football club we’ll wait and see.”

Red Bulls Thierry Henry (L) talks with Arsenal's Abou Diaby after the friendly match between Arsenal and the New York Red Bulls July 26, 2014. (DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)
Red Bulls Thierry Henry (L) talks with Arsenal’s Abou Diaby after the friendly match between Arsenal and the New York Red Bulls July 26, 2014. (DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)

Diaby also allegedly has offers in France but the Frenchman may prefer to stay in England. He hasn’t ever managed 30 Premier League games in a season, playing 29 in 2009/10. Since then the most he has played in one season is 16 and there are huge doubts that he could ever play regular football.

He really has nothing to lose and, if Pulis is right, could still enjoy a few years of English football yet.