Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has foregone a close season holiday in order to work with famous French trainer Renaud Longuevre on his fitness. Speaking to Les Dessous du Sport, Longuevre said, "When I feel that a sportsman is ready to give it all in order to reach a stage, it suits me.

"He is motivated and wants to reach the next stage on the physical level."

The French trainer also revealed the reasons behind Diaby's power training programme.

"The English league is very demanding; as a consequence his objective is to improve physically in order to be stronger and more resistant," Longuevre explained.

"He wants to be stronger in challenges. That is why he needs more muscle power."