The Swiss international has made just two appearance for the Gunners this season in the Capital One Cup, and is reportedly concerned that he will lose his place in Switzerland's international team should he continue to warm the bench at the Emirates.
The player was rumoured to be eyeing up a move away from the North London side in the summer, having slipped down the pecking order since the arrival of Per Mertesacker the previous year.
His agent, Flavio Ferraria, has suggested a loan move could be possible for the 25-year-old with Napoli being linked as the most interested party. He said,
"I agree that Djourou would be a useful addition for Napoli, but only in January when we find out whether Arsenal want to keep him or send him out on loan."
Napoli currently employ number of Djourou Switzerland teammates including Swiss captain Gokhan Inler and midfielders Valon Behrami and Blerim Dzemaili.
Farraria commented on Djourou's tenuous position at Arsenal where he appears to have become the fourth choice centre back. Along with recent additions of Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, the emergence of the young Ignasi Miquel has made his likelihood of regular first-team football something of an improbability.
"Johan is a professional and so far this season he has played just two games in the League Cup. He wants to play more. He is fit, but things can go like this sometimes. Maybe in a few weeks Djourou will be a regular for Arsenal."
Napoli are expected to make a loan offer for Djourou in January. However, his agent is playing his cards close to his chest whilst the Gunner is still in contention for his place at the Emirates.
"In football anything is possible, but there has been no contact with them for now."
Unless Arsenal should suffer a tragic loss of two out of three of their first choice central defenders, Djourou may have a tough decision to make in January - something of a "should I stay or should I go". In the meantime he may just have to put up and shut up. Patience is a virtue, so they say.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
Jenny Leigh
@backpagenewsmore stories from Jenny Leigh
Jennifer is a freelance writer and filmmaker from London with a great passion for football - the game, the business, and the culture. Jennifer hopes to provide readership with a high standard of news, analysis, and opinion over a range of football events, stories, and issues.
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