Diarra issues Christmas deadline to Arsenal boss Wenger

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Diarra was signed on transfer deadline day in August from Chelsea and told The Times: "For the moment, everything is going fine and I'm learning, but I cannot stay like this for ever.

Scroll down to read more:

Diarra (right): Seen very little action for Arsenal since signing on transfer deadline day

"I'm not going to wait for a year because I changed clubs in order to play. I'm not stupid. If I come to Arsenal and my situation is the same as at Chelsea, then I should have stayed at Chelsea. If I come to Arsenal, it's to play. In a few months, I'll have to decide what I want to do."

"I've played more games for my country than for my club, which is ridiculous," he said. "When I came to Chelsea, I was 19, so to wait for a year is OK, but when I'm playing for the French national team with the European Championship coming, I need to play regular football.

"I cannot stay like this, going to training but staying at home at weekends and sometimes playing in the Carling Cup. I cannot accept this now.

"When Wenger signed me, he knew the player I am. I've been in this kind of situation before, so it's not new to me.

"I've waited for a long time, but I'm 22 and cannot wait as I have in the past. I know Arsenal are a very good team, playing good football and top of the league, but I want to play.

"If I'm not playing by Christmas I may have to go somewhere else."