Arsenal Rumours: Squillaci and Djourou set for winter exits

There is plenty of positive news for Gooners as it seems that both Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci could make moves away from North London this month with the defensive duo struggling for game time.

Squillaci, who has been something of a flop transfer, is eager to move on from the Emirates as soon as January in a bid to resurrect his faltering career.

The 32-year-old believes the high level of competition has been the deciding factor for only 40 first-team appearances since joining the club two-and-a-half seasons ago, with just the one Champions League appearance this campaign.

The French centre back told Vermatin.com:

With [Laurent] Koscielny, [Per] Mertesacker, [Thomas] Vermaelen and [Johan] Djourou, the competition is fierce.

I played in the Champions League with Olympiakos. I have played five times for the reserves and I always train seriously.

My relationship with Arsene Wenger is good. I remain as professional as possible.

I will be out of contract at the end of the season. As things stand, I will leave, perhaps during the January transfer window or else in June.

[on speculation from his home land] Of course, playing in my home region of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur is something that interests me.

Marseille, Nice, Monaco, Bastia and Ajaccio are clubs who speak to me. I am 32, and I still have two or three good seasons left. I will make my choice depending on the opportunities that arrive.

One of the central defenders Squillaci earmarked Johan Djourou may also be set for a departure however only temporary at this stage as Hannover have eyed up a loan deal this winter window, with the Bundesliga side admitting their interest in the player.

The Swiss international who is the fourth choice centehalf has been absent from any Arsenal squad selection for quite some time, and a deal may be agreed this week with news from Hannover stating negotiations have begun.

Club president Martin Kind told Bild:

I am able to confirm that we are very interested in bringing Johan Djourou to the AWD-Arena.

He is on our short list of names and there have been some concrete talks with Arsenal going on.

We make no hasty decision. But within the next two days it’s possible that something happen.

We do intend to loan the player first until the end of the season and we will make a decision on his future.

Both quotes from Squillaci and Hannover’s President are very positive and suggest that the defensive flops are finally heading toward the exit door.

With Mertesacker, Vermaelen and Koscielny all first choice options with youngster Ignasi Miquel requiring more first team opportunities, Arsenal’s central defensive options look strong. With Djourou and Squillaci off the wage bill Wenger will have more financial strength in the transfer window.

Lets hope the exits of the defensive duo can spark the reported exit of Marouane Chamakh and even Andrei Arshavin.

Tags: Arsenal news, featured, gossip, Johan Djourou, Sebastian Squillaci

Category: News Feed, Transfer Rumours