Lassana Diarra - Chelsea knew I wanted to join The Gunners

Following his deadline day move from Chelsea, Lassana Diarra has explained how his move (which cost an undisclosed amount of Roubles) came about, and the reason for him, who was very highly rated at Chelsea, for him to leave.

"Honestly, I believe the Chelsea officials thought I would crack and finally accept a contract extension, as my contract would have been up in 2008," Diarra told L'Equipe.
"But I refused every extension and now I have signed a three-year deal with The Gunners. Chelsea finally accepted, maybe because they were scared I would leave for free in one year."

"At 11pm on Friday night, I got a phone call to tell me I could start to negotiate with Arsenal as both clubs had found an agreement," he said.
"I didn't hesitate because Arsenal was the only club I wanted to join. It was Arsenal or nothing. Other teams contacted me, but I knew what I wanted. Chelsea knew I wanted to join The Gunners."

I think it's nice to hear that Chelsea made several new contract offers, there's something reassuring that he was wanted at Chelsea, rather than us signing a rejected Chelsea player, we've signed one they didn't want to leave. What with the Gallas deal last year, Chelsea must be dreading who Arsenal might choose to sign from them next year, as it seems we are are making last minute deals with Chelsea an annual occurence. My money's on a last minute bid for John Terry next year!

And Diarra realises that although he left over the absence of opportunities at Chelsea, he isn't guaranteed a regular place at Arsenal either.

"I needed to play and get more time on the pitch and I don't think it would be possible at Chelsea," he said in The Sun. "At Chelsea, we had Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele and Michael Essien in midfield."
"I know it will be tough to make it at Arsenal as well. I have no guarantee from Arsene Wenger I will play all the time but I am sure that it will be okay. I know I will play big matches in the league and even in the Champions League."

With the current crop of talented midfielders at the club, it will be interesting to see who eventually claims the title of Gilberto's replacement as the second midfielder alongside Fabregas in years to come, with Abou Diaby, Denilson, Mathieu Flamini and Diarra all ready to fight for playing time, this can only be good for the club.