Arsenal transfer rumors: Mario Lemina the new Abou Diaby

Arsenal’s link to Mario Lemina is nothing new, and it makes complete sense, seeing as how this man could well be then next Abou Diaby.

I can’t say that I knew a lot about Mario Lemina before he was linked with Arsenal in the London Evening Standard. I may not have known a lot about him, but watching some of his game tapes, I was immediately reminded of Abou Diaby.

Abou Diaby was renowned for being incredibly talented but was further renowned for how injury-prone he was. From what I can see, Lemina does not spend as much time in the treatment room as Diaby, but his quick, silky feet and the way in which he carries the ball is eerily similar to the Frenchman. The Gabon international also seems more athletic in the way that he gets up and down the pitch.

"“Lemina has made only 15 starts in Serie A since joining Juventus from Marseille in 2015 but is considered a hugely promising, dynamic midfielder with a similar physique and playing style to Paul Pogba.”“Juventus are thought to be willing to do business given he is not essential to their current plans. Roma and Schalke are among the interested clubs who could potentially rival Arsenal for his signature.”*Quotes from London Evening Stanard"

The arrival of a central midfielder would only make the futures of both Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla even murkier. Wilshere was sent out on loan with the knowledge that first-team opportunities at the Emirates this season would be limited, and he is currently recovering from a broken leg. His contract also expires after next season.

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Cazorla has been unable to stay fit over the last couple of seasons, and whilst his influence and quality are undeniable, it’s possible that the Spaniard may be deemed surplus to requirements.

Nonetheless, I find it interesting that central midfield is an area that Arsenal would prioritise heading into the summer. Granted, Arsenal’s transfer plans hinge on the futures of both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez but I would deem striker and right-back more of a priority than central midfield.

The Gunners have plenty of midfield options at their disposal; Wilshere, Cazorla, Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny, Calum Chambers and Krystian Bielik all spring to mind.

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However, I remember Abou Diaby bossing certain games during his turbulent North London career. Projection is a big thing with transfers, and if Lemina were to come and replicate Diaby’s form on the pitch all while staying fit, the Gunners may have found a diamond in the rough.

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