Mohamed Diame: The Akinfenwa of the Premier League

This guy is right under the definition of tank, the former Wigan man stands at 1.84m and weighs around 80kg! Mohamed, commonly known as Mo is as strong as an ox, but he can also pick a pass and his stamina is there for all to see.

Mo has played a vital role in West Hams success this season with his consistency gaining him many admirers…

Well just like Demba Ba, unfortunately for West Ham, Diame has a very low release clause: 4.1 million pounds. This put many big European clubs such as Arsenal, Newcastle, Lyon and Marselle on red alert, despite this, no deal was finalised.

Now would he be worth the money?

 

MY OPINION

From what I have seen of him, Diame looks the real deal, strong, quick and his technical ability is not bad either! He reminds me of a Patrick Vieira type player.

If I was the manager at, for example, Arsenal, I would definitely activate that release clause with him sure to be hypnotised into playing champions league football.

Despite the positives, Mo Diame is currently receiving 2.6 million pounds per year which is approximately 50k per week! Big money if you ask me.

I feel the Senagalese defensive midfielder is ready for a step up to a better level as he is currently shining at mid table level.

 

Why did Wigan sell him?

According to reports, Diame is thought to have a very poor attitude and is known for being a little greedy, these are sure to put respectful managers off him.

Roberto Martinez said : ‘Momo is an excellent player, I’m sad to see him leave. (denying a fall out he said..) No, no me and Mo have never had such a thing, he is an excellent guy, although I hope he doesn’t show the attitude to big Sam! (Laughs) (This interview was when Diame signed a pre-contract with West Ham.)

So it seems maybe he has a little too much cheek to put off bigger clubs! And the reason him and Wigan parted company.

 

Why West Ham?

I’m sure many asked the question of why West Ham? I certainly did! Well Diame, in an interview said, ‘The reason I chose West Ham was because.. Their philosophy fits in with my style of play and they have good ambition and are a big club.’ (Bad English :P )

French suitors were also interested before he joined West Ham, and to be honest I’m shocked he didn’t move to his boyhood country!

Finally, I can’t see Momo staying in the claret strip for much longer with his list of admirers growing rapidly!

 

Written by Travis Comery

Follow him on Twitter @TraaavComery

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Arsenal: Who should the Gunners sign before the deadline?

The week of the transfer deadline: where clubs pay over-the-odds for players they sometimes don’t need. Players names are thrown around, numerous sightings of players at airports, and it’s all covered in the hyped-up extravaganza of ‘Transfer Deadline Day’ on Sky Sports.

Onto Arsenal. It’s fair to say this season hasn’t exactly gone as well as the Emirates faithful had hoped. The Gunners lie in 6th place; 4 points behind North London rivals Spurs. This is simply unacceptable, but it isn’t the first time we’ve been here.

For example, Spurs held a double-digit points lead over Arsenal last year – only to seize it in the final few games. With Spurs looking an improved team under Andre Villas-Boas, and Arsenal lacking a certain Robin Van Persie – this doesn’t look like happening again.

So, who should Arsenal push for? Arsenal lack a domineering presence at the base of midfield. Someone to disrupt opponents counter-attacks, break up play, and be the foil for the more creative players: Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla etc.

Whilst I’ve long been a supporter of Francis Coquelin, it doesn’t feel as though Wenger has the same belief in the Frenchman. Someone more physically robust and more experienced, for whom Coquelin could be the understudy to would be a very good addition.

Mohamed Diamé is available for £3.5m from West Ham. He’s a player that has played brilliantly in West Ham’s decent start to the Premier League season. A huge presence in midfield, Diamé’s value and Premier League experience make it a very steady and logical investment.

Etienne Capoue is another option. The recently capped Frenchman is a very capable defensive midfielder, and should definitely be looked out – before his price continues to rise. I’m unsure as to whether Toulouse would allow him to leave only a week after losing Moussa Sissoko. One to look at though.

Despite Olivier Giroud’s steady start to his Arsenal career, it’s fair to say Arsenal require a little more firepower up front. A name being thrown about is David Villa. Simply put: he’s one the best strikers of our generation. Whether Arsene Wenger would be able to tempt Barça to selling is another matter.

Villa.... to Arsenal before deadline day?

Villa…. to Arsenal before deadline day?

 

Loïc Rémy was a player whom would have added something too, alas, he went to QPR. Stefan Jovetic is yet another top player that has been linked with Arsenal, but I just think his asking price would be far too much to entertain.

To conclude: there aren’t a wealth of the players for Arsenal to sign, but the few that are available and Arsenal are interested in would add something to the team in the pursuit for 4th place.

As a fan of the North London club – I would love us to make one last push for David Villa, whilst also adding Momo Diame for £3.5m. In the end, we’ll probably end up singing nobody.

The life of a football fan, eh?

 

Written by Frank Hobbs

Follow him on Twitter @GoonerFrank

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