Football Corner

Arsenal have signed out of favour Monaco striker Emmanuel Adebayor. The player had fallen out of favour at Monaco after missing training several times and he had been warned he would never play for the French club again. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had confirmed his interest in a deal for the 21-year-old, who is due to play for Togo at the African Cup of Nations. "He has qualities that we don't have in the side. He is tall, good in the air and makes good runs," Wenger said.

"He is a bit of a Kanu type but he goes in more behind the defenders." Adebayor becomes Arsenal's second capture in the current transfer window after Arsene Wenger also completed the signing of Vasiriki Abou Diaby. The Gunners will pay an undisclosed fee to the Principality club after signing the African on a "long-term contract".

Arsenal have also signed Auxerre's 19 year old midfielder Abou Diaby on a four year deal. Diaby rejected Chelsea in favour of a move to Highbury. Auxerre vice-president Gerard Bourgoin said Diaby met officials from both clubs in London on Wednesday and said: "The choice belonged to Diaby. "But Arsene Wenger was better than Jose Mourinho, that's all."

Arsenal boss Wenger said: "He is a strong midfielder and has shown huge potential during his time at Auxerre. "He will be a tremendous addition to our squad." And Diaby added: "I am so happy to have signed for Arsenal.

Two very decent players for Arsenal and I have a feeling both will do well in the Premiership. The two players are both very young so they have most of their carrers ahead of them and Arsenal will hope that if they do well they will stay for a lengthy spell.