Abou Diaby, Arsenal

Abou Diaby hailed Mikel Arteta

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby is looking forward to playing alongside Mikel Arteta next season.

While the Frenchman was restricted to five substitute appearances, the Spaniard enjoyed a fine first season at the Emirates after signing from Everton.

“Mikel is a great player and he showed last season that he is a very important player in our team,” Diaby said.

“I am looking forward to playing next to him.

“I personally prefer to play with three midfielders because I can go forward and I can also defend. I think it is the position that will suit me the best.

“Of course the midfield is different now because we are all different. The most important thing is to bring out singularities into the team to make it better. If we have a mix of all that it can be a very good thing.”