Johan Djourou
Djourou keen to end his time with Arsenal on a permanent basis.

Arsenal defender John Djourou is hopeful of securing a permanent move away from north London this summer.

The Swiss international's last appearance from the Gunners came in October 2012 and has since enjoyed loan spells in the Bundesliga with Hannover 96 and currently Hamburg.

The 27-year-old has particularly flourished at Mirko Slomka's Hamburg side this season and is keen to stay on with the club on a permanent basis if Arsenal are willing to do business.

"I know the coach, I love the club, and I love the City. HSV is incredible," Djourou was quoted as saying by Bild.

"The club has so much potential. We have to go way up. The fans are great. The mood is different than in England. If all goes well and the club also wants to, I would stay."

Although Djourou has been out of the first team equation at Arsenal for a year, Arsene Wenger could still be braced for a number of defensive exits this summer.

Bacary Sagna's well documented contract wrangle has yet to be resolved as he heads into the final four months of his contract at the Emirates and recent reports suggest Arsenal's refusal to offer the Frenchman a three-year-deal has been the source of the impasse.

Meanwhile, Thomas Vermaelen remains a marginalised figure in north London and could be another drawing close to a move having recently told Wenger of his intentions to leave the club this summer.

The Belgium international has failed to dislodge the first team partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker this season, a situation which has left his hopes of having a starting role in Marc Wilmots Belgium side at the Word Cup in doubt.

In a recent interview with Belgian newspaper Derniere Heure, Vermaelen's agent indicated his client wants to leave this summer and bring an end to his five year stint at the club, suggesting the Gunners could lose up to three defenders this summer.