December 13, 2020, Bologna, Italy: Bologna, Italy, Dall& 39Ara stadium, December 13, 2020, Amadou Diawara AS Roma portrait during Bologna FC vs AS Roma - Italian football Serie A match Italian football Serie A match - Bologna FC vs AS Roma, Bologna, Italy PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY - ZUMAl164 20201213_zsa_l164_501 Copyright: xEttorexGriffonix
According to HITC (h/t Football.london), AS Roma are open to the idea of selling Arsenal target Amadou Diawara in January. The midfielder was linked with a move to the Gunners in the last transfer window. In the end, they ended up signing Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.
However, Diawara has been put on the market and it is being said that an offer of around £18million could be enough to sign him. Diawara has received very less game time this season and that has pushed talks of an exit this month.
It is no secret that Arsenal have struggled to get going this season and they are facing one of the worst starts to a season in recent history. 24 points from 18 games, with 20 goals scored is what Arsenal have managed after winning the FA Cup last season.
Arsenal wanted to bring in two midfielders this season but they could only manage Thomas Partey and were left fumbling in their efforts to sign Houssem Aouar. It wasn’t surprising at all that Arsenal’s poor form coincided with that of Partey’s injury.
Without his defensive abilities and drive from midfield, the Gunners looked suspect and had to encounter a lot of loses. It is clear that the side needs another defensive midfielder, perhaps someone better than the likes of Xhaka.
The Guinean midfielder has had the experience of playing in the midfield for top clubs such as AS Roma and Napoli. He has more than 100 senior Serie A appearances to his name. On top of that, he has 27 appearances in Europe.
Diawara is only 23 and has the majority of his best footballing years ahead of him. He is also a no-nonsense defensive midfielder with good agility and movement. His performances show his versatility and intensity as he can cover every blade of grass in midfield.
It will be harsh to judge Diawara by his current statistics as he is just 23 years of age. However, it is impressive that he has been a regular starter in the Serie A since turning 18. While Diawara is not a ‘must sign’ for the Gunners, he would be a welcome addition.
He can be a great short-term, as well as a long-term signing. A move for Diawara would certainly strengthen Arsenal’s squad and can aid them in their quest for Europe this season.