From Chelsea to Arsenal to Spurs in under six months: could Diarra be on the move again? - Sport - Evening Standard
       

From Chelsea to Arsenal to Spurs in under six months: could Diarra be on the move again?

Tottenham are believed to be moving into position to make a move for Arsenal's midfielder Lassana Diarra.

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Juande Ramos is widely known to be desperate to improve his central midfield options and sporting director Damien Comolli could see the unsettled Diarra as the perfect player to firm up the club's midfield.

The Frenchman has expressed his dissatisfaction at what he perceives as a lack of first-term opportunities under Arsene Wenger despite only joining the club from Chelsea in August.

Arsenal's Lassana Diarra (left) played in Tuesday night's 3-2 Carling Cup victory over Morten Gamst Pedersen's Blackburn

With the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto, Mathieu Flamini and Denilson all vying for a place in the side, Diarra believes he is just not getting enough football.

Diarra, a regular with the French national side, told L'Equipe last week: "We're halfway through December, and I've decided: I want to leave Arsenal. The bottom line is the coach doesn't need me.

"They don't want me. I don't understand, because I've got more value in the French national team."

Diarra added: "When I signed for Arsenal I was made promises by the people who recruited me.

"But since the start of the season the only matches I've been involved in have been low-key, and to be honest I'm getting fed up with it.

"With Mr Wenger, there's no problem whatsoever. I'm not going to criticise him or speak badly of him. I'm not the kind of person who creates problems.

"But I signed for Arsenal because I was led to believe I was going to be playing, and there would be healthy competition for the spot. That hasn't been the case."

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