Adria-No Thanks

With West Ham confirming they are in talks with Inter Milan over a possible loan deal for the chunky Brazilian striker Adriano, who finds himself down the pecking order at the San Siro, Arsene Wenger has revealed that he turned down a similar loan deal for the striker, revealing that part of the criteria that Internazionale wanted was an Arsenal player going the opposite way in a return loan.

Le Prof is reported in The Times as saying. “The agreement was for a loan. Adriano has qualities we don`t need. They wanted to give us a player but wanted one back in return. I won`t say who it was. I didn`t want to lose the player they requested. I didn`t necessarily think Adriano would upset the balance of the squad.’

Arsene then went on to say, “I have bought Eduardo Da Silva. I already had Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie and I brought Nicklas Bendtner back. I still have Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby can play through the middle. Why should I bring more forwards in? I have big faith in my squad and they`ve proved me right so far this season.”

Diaby Does Gallas (or is it all Much Abou About Nothing?)

Now here’s the bit that grabbed my attention – Abou Diaby down the middle. I know he played there last season in the Bolton game in the 2nd half, he and the beast getting in each other’s way when we were going for goals.

Does Le Prof really not know Diaby’s best position, or is he trying to pull off some new masterstroke with Diaby being a marauder in ever sense of the word, playing middle, wide and up front? Will this do the young Diaby any good, going from position to position? I always thought a player was better off settling into one position and learning how to play there (but then I am certainly no Arsene Wenger…).

Apologies for the subhead – I had to squeeze it in somewhere – consider it a reference to Diaby’s ‘versatility’ in so many positions, will CD be next for him?