Arsenal finally release Abou Diaby and former wonderkid forward

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After almost ten years of service, Abou Diaby has finally been released by Arsenal.

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The Gunners have confirmed that the 29-year-old Frenchman has left the club along with Japanese attacker Ryo Miyaichi.

Few have doubted Diaby’s abilities in North London, particularly after overcoming a tricky initial adaptation period in the Premier League. However, the midfielder’s near-persistent injury problems have severely affected his ability to realise his potential with the Gunners.

The player was originally likened to Patrick Vieira by manager Arsene Wenger upon his arrival at the club, but his progress has stalled due to a succession of 40 injuries, according to the Metro.

The Paris-born midfielder arrived at the club in 2006 from Auxerre for a fee of £2 million, but managed only 125 EPL outings over the following near-decade.

In total, he has managed only 16 league appearances over the last four seasons.

22-year-old Miyaichi was once heralded as one of the bright lights of the Gunners academy following his arrival in 2010, but has been unable to convinced Wenger of his merits despite a series of loan deals at the likes of Feyenoord, Wigan Athletic, FC Twente and Bolton Wanderers.