Unsettled Defender Seeking Permanent Move Away from Arsenal

Johan Djourou has made it clear that he has no intention of returning to Arsenal and would instead like to secure a permanent move to Hannover.

The 26-year-old failed to force his way into Arsene Wenger's plans earlier this season and was eventually allowed to join the German club on loan until the end of the season. Last week his agent suggested that the defender would be open to remaining at Hannover and now Djourou has reiterated his desire to leave Arsenal.

"It would be fantastic if the clubs could agree on a deal," Djourou told Neue Presse Hannover, as reported on ESPN. "I have been granted the chance to play here and I am getting better and better and slowly finding my old form."

Djourou graduated from the Arsenal academy back in 2004 but has struggled to convince Wenger that he should be a regular member of the first team. He did make 30 appearances in all competitions back in the 2006/07 season but for the next three years was largely marginalised.

He had a slight resurgence two seasons ago when he managed to become a regular in the Premier League but it seems he has now decided that it is time to permanently leave the north London club.

The Switzerland international has made 10 appearances since joining Hannover and is clearly enjoying a regular run in the first team. However, he feels as though Arsenal will not make it easy for a deal to be completed.

"It is a difficult situation since I still have two years left on my contract in London," added the centre-back.

Only last week the defender's agent, Marco Lichsteiner, made it clear Djourou had settled well in Germany and was keen to come to a resolution over his future.

"Johan and his family are very comfortable at Hannover," Lichsteiner told BILD. "Johan fits well with the project. In the coming days, there will be a meeting with [Jörg] Schmadtke [Hannover's director of football]. Johan wants to have clarity over where he plays next season."

Djourou did make two appearances in the League Cup for Arsenal this season but he was unable to push the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen for a regular spot in the centre of defence.