Arsene Wenger announced Friday that Abou Diaby has a future at Arsenal and will be offered a new deal at the club. The 28 year old has made just two appearances in as many seasons lately, and that’s not to mention his previous injury hit seasons. His current contract has seven months to run and many expected Arsenal to cut their losses with the player.

Wenger indicated no such thing, saying that Diaby was near full fitness and could return to full training soon. The boss said that should Diaby prove his fitness, he will be offered fresh terms at the club.

“Diaby is on the fringe of coming back into full training but he is not there yet, he has a calf problem” he said.

“His injuries are never severe but little grade one tears. He is not available yet. ‘If Diaby is fully fit, he will have a new deal at Arsenal.”

Are we gooners surprised by this? We shouldn’t be. Wenger has always had extreme faith in the player and I do as well (when he’s fit that is). Extremely optimistic, I know, but a big part of me still really wants to see Diaby go out with a bang. At 28, he is at the age that is typically considered prime, and should have anywhere from five to seven years left in the tank at the minimum.

With that being said, Diaby must prove his fitness. How man times have we said that before? I know. I am not naive enough to count on Diaby as an option for Arsenal going forward, but rather optimistic he can turn up as an added bonus sometime down the line. In the words of Wenger, he can be like a new signing!

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