AUXERRE, Jan 12 (Reuters) - AJ Auxerre midfielder Abou Diaby has signed a four-year deal with Arsenal, the Ligue 1 side said in a statement on Thursday.

Diaby, 20, has just made three top flight appearances this season. He won the under-19 European Championship with France two years ago.

'The player chose Arsenal and Auxerre, who are not used to breaking players' careers, has agreed with the club,' Auxerre vice-president Gerard Bourgoin told sports daily L'Equipe's website.

'The deal starts now,' he added.