The Daily Express have come up with an unique story claiming that former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Lassana Diarra is tipped to join Arsenal in the January transfer window. The report claims that the 29 year old who is currently a free agent after leaving Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow is on the look out for a new club and it’s believed that the Emirates could be his next likely destination.
Diarra was linked with Italian side Napoli in the summer but a move never materialized for the Partenopei who is currently being managed by Rafa Benitez. But now after a horrendous performance from Mikel Arteta in the first Champion league encounter against Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is desperate to sign a central defensive midfielder. The Gunners have already been linked with Lars Bender and Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho but neither of the bids prospered over the course of the summer.
Wenger has failed to bring in a quality midfielder who can shield the back four, instead buying for the likes of Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez but now with Wilshere also injured, Mathieu Flamini not dependable and Calum Chambers too young to hog the limelight, Wenger simply has to sign a shielder in January.
Diarra had earlier played one season for Arsenal in the 2007/08 season, joining from Chelsea, but later joined Portsmouth after failing to impress in a short spell that only saw the player making 7 appearances.