Football News
Arsenal target Diarra
Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra has emerged as a shock transfer target for Arsene Wenger. The former Lyon starlet who moved to Real Madrid for £18 million in 2006 has found it difficult to hold down a first team place with the emergence of Argentine Fernando Gago and the return to form of offensive midfielder Guti. The Spanish media have linked Diarra with a move to the Gunners following the continued speculation that Yaya Toure could move to Arsenal.
Diarra was even used as bait, along with Fabio Cannavaro in the summer to try and lure AC Milan playmaker Kaka to the Bernabeu.
Wenger, a long time admirer of the Malian was extremely keen to bring Diarra to North London in 2006, but the Frenchman could not compete in a bidding war between Manchester United and Real Madrid. However, it is now rumoured that Diarra will be available for between £5 and £10 million.
Real have had a torrid start to the La Liga season and are set to rebuild in the January transfer window according to Sporting Director Predrag Mijatovic, with the transfer of Klass Jan Huntelaar already confirmed by the club for £23 million.