3.5 Year deal. I suppose on the plus side, you could argue the players attitude sucks if he's not gonna stay and fight for a place (twice now, leaving London clubs). No other 'big' club came in for him. Or you could say he is ambitious and as a full French international, good enough for any team. Nah, I'd go with 'no desire to fight for a place'. Exactly what we DON'T want at the club. And whether it was a case that:

a) We wouldn't pay him enough
b) Offer him guaranteed first team football
c) Wenger wouldn't sell him to us

....he hasn't actually committed himself to Pompey for long (shop window anyone?) which suggests he will look to move again. You'd think playing for us is a far more productive shop window to be in. Would be interesting to know who Spurs will line-up as a proper defensive mid. I'd much prefer we go for a 25/27 year old rather than another youngster who might be decent in time.

Diarra hasn't been able to show the world what he can do (for club). He has his chance now, just not in a Lilywhite shirt.