The Swiss centre-back, who has made 86 appearances for Arsenal in an eight-year spell with the club, is reportedly wanted by Serie A side Napoli.

However, Wenger has insisted the Ivory Coast-born defender still has a role to play at the Emirates Stadium.

He told The Sun: "I didn't let Djourou leave as I love him as a player and he loves the club."

Djourou has been named as an unused substitute in two of Arsenal's English Premier League games this season.

The 25-year-old appears to be behind Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny in the fight for a place at the heart of the Arsenal defence.