Arsene Wenger has decided to release Abou Diaby despite hinting he may get a new deal, whilst Ryo Miyaichi has also been released.
Diaby has only managed one Premier League appearance in the last two years, as injury problems continued to disturb his career.
Diaby joined Arsenal in 2006 for a fee of £2million, and has when fit, shown signs of real quality. The athletic midfielder drew comparisons to Yaya Toure with how he effortlessly drafted past opponents.
There are rumours Diaby will now retire from football at the age of 29, it would be a sad but perhaps sensible move for a player who must have been through an awful lot emotionally, considering his unstable physical status.
Diaby’s departure does free up a bit of room on the wage bill for a new arrival, as he reportedly was earning £50,000 per week.
Ryo Miyaichi has also been released. The Japanese winger spent most of his Arsenal career on loan and despite showing promise, has been judged not good enough to warrant an extension at The Emirates.
Wenger’s current focus appears to be on securing the signing of Petr Cech, with the Frenchman also eyeing reinforcements in defensive midfielder and up front.