Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Does Abou Diaby Have a Future at the Emirates?

The horrific circumstances that Arsenal have endured have exposed numerous squad members to dire comments about their calibre and presence in the Gunners' side.

After losing the Carling Cup Final to Birmingham City, elimination from the UEFA Champions League fourth round and the FA Cup quarterfinals to Barcelona and Manchester United and two feeble draws in the Premier League, in the space of three weeks, Arsenal's silverware chances have became worryingly thin.

Injuries have played a significant role in the North London giants' demise. Arsene Wenger side have been plagued by injury for over a month now with captain Cesc Fabregas, dynamo Theo Walcott, renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song, key defender Johan Djourou and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny all succumbed to injuries days prior or during the horrific period.

The five key players joined defensive midfielder Thomas Vermaelen and predominant first-choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski on a growing list of casualties.

However, Wenger had praised the immense depth his young Gunners squad boasts and believed it would be the catalyst in eroding of Arsenal's notorious five-year trophy drought. In an integral part of the season, depth certainly will separate the pretenders from the capable, but unfortunately the fringe and deputy squad members at the Gunners failed to create and enforce the same impact fans envisioned.

The midfield had been particularly unfortunate with injuries with two vital presences absent in Fabregas and Song. The respective absences ensured the Arsenal midfield lacked serious strength, creativity and leadership.

The fact that Denilson and Abou Diaby were the replacements in the midfield certainly highlighted Wenger's superior depth, on paper. The duo are an experienced, quality pairing who have been in this Arsenal squad since teenagers and had been nurtured and grown by Wenger for over four years now.

Denilson has over 145 appearances for the Gunners whilst Diaby has over 150, whilst being consistently plagued by injury. However, this failed to aid them as they aimed to eradicate the absence of Fabregas and Diaby.

Both were lacklustre and evidently lacked confidence and premium game time. Denilson's contribution and form has already been debated. But now Diaby's presence in the Arsenal line up comes under serious question.

The Frenchman arrived at the Gunners in the January transfer window of 2005/2006 after a successful spell with French giants Auxerre. After beginning in impressive style for Wenger, Diaby's season was curtailed when he suffered a broken leg against Sunderland in May.

The following three seasons saw the French international show glimpses of attacking prowess and midfield force, with many touting Diaby as the next Patrick Vieira, a former Arsenal great. However, injuries hampered the midfielder's seasons and development.

Fortunately, last season Diaby managed to remain relatively injury-free and began to consistently convey his midfield calibre. The 24-year-old ended the 2009/2010 as one of Arsenal's best players and rapidly became renown as one of the best midfielders in the English Premier League after 40 appearances and seven goals.

This season, however, has been stop-start for the former Auxerre performer. An early season injury after a horrific challenge from Bolton's Paul Robinson saw the Frenchman miss a handful of matches before the emergence of teenage sensation Jack Wilshere as one of the best young players in the EPL have ensured limited opportunities for Diaby.

A mere 16 appearances and one goal in all competitions has seen Diaby's once glistening reputation diminish. What's worse is that the French international's main contribution for the season will undoubtedly be his infamous sending off against Newcastle United.

Diaby reacted poorly to a challenge from Joey Barton by throwing the Englishman to the ground, by his neck, before pushing Kevin Nolan. Arsenal were 4-0 up before Diaby was sent from the field and ended up drawing, 4-4.

This raises the question, does Abou Diaby have a future at Arsenal?

The Paris born midfielder is still relatively young at 24 and has great experience in all competitions. When on form the Frenchman is a strong, elegant midfielder who glides past defenders and can cause havoc near the box.

However, erratic passing, a lazy-like approach and a general lack of concentration have at times been a part of Diaby's game, evidently now. With the up and coming youngsters emerging rapidly, Diaby may find himself far down the midfield pecking order.

Aaron Ramsey is finally back to full fitness whilst Henri Lansbury and Francis Coquelin have been more than impressive on loan and the return of Emmanuel Frimpong coupled with the presences of Craig Eastmond and Chuks Aneke, Diaby's services may be unnecessary to Wenger.

But there is no denying the Frenchman's talent but should Arsenal's season diminish then it could signal the end of Abou Diaby.