How Twitter Reacted to Abou Diaby's Rumoured Move to West Brom

Rumours swirled on Thursday that former Arsenal man Abou Diaby could be signing with Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion, as reported by Bill Howell of the Birmingham Mail (h/t Metro).

Typically, when a free-agent is linked with a move to a mid-table side, it's not a huge deal. But Diaby has become a bit of a cult figure due to his lengthy, bizarre injury history. 

"

Former Arsenal man Abou Diaby has been linked to a move to West Brom. At least, #WBA know what they're in for. pic.twitter.com/UMHhrCA1Q9

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) July 23, 2015"

"

Abou Diaby's Arsenal career in numbers: Games - 182 Goals - 19 Injuries - 42 pic.twitter.com/OWLrb20J77

— bet365 (@bet365) July 23, 2015"

Twitter had jokes, lots of jokes. 

"

SPOTTED: Abou Diaby arriving at West Brom for contract talks... pic.twitter.com/xsb3i0YkDw

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) July 23, 2015"

"

Abou Diaby reports for pre-season training #Wba pic.twitter.com/HyShBstDtk

— Marty Duffy (@Marty_Duffy) July 23, 2015"

"

However replica Diaby kits are already in production, just need to add stripes.... #wbafc #wba pic.twitter.com/Zkq9Tx97Ec

— Exiled Baggie (@ExiledBaggie) July 23, 2015"

"

Did someone order a Diaby? pic.twitter.com/IbGKzr2JD5

— David O'Leary (@Dav1dOLeary) July 23, 2015"

"

West Brom are trying to sign Abou Diaby after he was released from Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/fBGG2zZZyS

— The Football Pools (@footballpools) July 23, 2015"

"

Rumour is Abou Diaby's on his way to WBA. Hope it works out for him, if not there's always a movie career. pic.twitter.com/eZGvTO2KDr

— Geöff Miller (@ddibbley) July 23, 2015"

"

When the greatest doctor in the world sees Abou Diaby's injury record. pic.twitter.com/sgkESP5hRb

— Mick Jagger (@MickyBrix) July 23, 2015"

"

REVEALED: Tony Pulis' plan to get Abou Diaby through his #WBA medical. pic.twitter.com/8DUp3yJX8e

— NOW TV Sport (@NOWTVSport) July 23, 2015"

"

After a long search, West Brom have finally found a doctor prepared to do Abou Diaby's medical - if he agrees terms pic.twitter.com/F6F4Ky6BLK

— Dream Team (@dreamteamfc) July 23, 2015"

"

BREAKING: Abou Diaby arrives for a medical at West Brom following his release from Arsenal. #wbafc #afc pic.twitter.com/HtIcPq6XfL

— Ryan Wallis (@RyWalCP) July 23, 2015"

"

Abou Diaby last completed 90 mins in the Premier League on September 2nd, 2012 vs Liverpool. That's 1,055 days ago. pic.twitter.com/2kPrKfx6dW"

— UdoABASIODU (@UdoAbasiodu) July 23, 2015"

Lost amid all the hospital jokes, though, is that when healthy (albeit, a gigantic, caveat-filled when) Diaby is undoubtedly talented. 

The aforetweeted Liverpool match reminded Arsenal fans of what he could contribute when healthy. 

"

Abou Diaby's game by numbers from the 2012 game vs Liverpool: 88% pass accuracy 3 take-ons 2 tackles won Bossed it pic.twitter.com/4MDsxjrEEx

— Torrick owusu (@owusutorrick1) July 23, 2015"

Unfortunately, he didn't stay healthy and rarely saw the pitch afterward. So much so that Sky forgot what Diaby looked like (below is Hector Bellerin, Serge Gnabry and Yaya Sanogo). 

"

Oh dear. @SkySportsNewsHQ reporting free agent Diaby could go to WBA. Sky, that is not Abou Diaby..... pic.twitter.com/Fsl2EIvNeN

— KBFB (@Kieran82Bryant) July 23, 2015"

[Twitter]