Arsenal defender Johan Djourou denies transfer speculation

Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has said that reports claiming he is looking to leave The Emirates are false.

Rumours had been circulating that the player was keen on a move to Italy or Spain, with Napoli leading the chase for his signature.

Djourou has struggled for form and found first team chances limited term, making only 14 starts in the Premier League.

The arrival last summer of Per Mertesacker and the return to the team of Thomas Vermaelen restricted his opportunities in the centre of defence and saw him pushed to right-back over Christmas.

Such a diminished role has led to speculation that he might be looking at opportunities abroad.

However the Swiss international, Arsenal’s longest serving player, has pledged his loyalty to the club for the foreseeable future: “I just want to deny what has been in the press about my transfer. It isn’t true at all. I have been at Arsenal for 10 years now and I am always committed.”