Johan Djourou Ends Arsenal Nightmare and Seals Permanent Hamburg Move

Arsenal have confirmed Johan Djourou has joined Hamburg on a permanent deal.

After he spent last season at the Bundesliga club, Hamburg have opted to activate a clause allowing them to sign the Swiss international outright, bringing an end to his 10-year affiliation with the Gunners.

A short statement on the Gunners website read: "Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Johan for his contribution to the club and wish him continued success with Hamburg."

Djourou joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Etoile Carouge in 2003 and made his debut a year later. The 27-year-old made 144 appearances for the club but was largely recognised as a peripheral figure, failing to nail down a first team role during his time in north London.

In January 2013 he joined German club Hannover on a six month loan deal. His performances prompted Hamburg to strike a deal with Arsenal the following summer.

Djourou represented his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, helping the Swiss qualify from the knockout stages before they were eliminated by Argentina.

While Djourou is unlikely to have figured in Wenger's thinking this summer, his departure hastens the need for another option at centre half. His exit coincides with reports on Friday suggesting Barcelona have agreed a fee, reportedly £15m, to sign Gunners captain Thomas Vermaelen after the club rejected Manchester United's offer for the Belgian.

Vermaelen's departure will leave the club with just their first choice options of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker at centre half.

However, with a holding midfielder also a requirement, Wenger has hinted more deals could yet be done before the transfer window closes.

Ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash with Manchester City, Wenger told the press: "We have three and a half weeks until the transfer market closes – we could still strengthen, but we have a big squad."