Arsenal defender wants Hamburg stay

Arsenal's on-loan defender Johan Djourou has admitted that he would like to seal a permanent switch to Hamburger SV at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old Swiss international joined the Bundesliga outfit on six-month loan deal from the Gunners during the summer, but decided to extend his stay until the end of the season.

Djourou is now understood to be eager on joining the German club on a permanent basis, and is keen on helping the side beat the drop from the Bundesliga this season.

"I know the coach, I love the club, I love the city. HSV is incredible," Djourou said. "The club has so much potential. We have to go way up."

"The fans are great. The mood is different than in England. If all goes well and the club also want to, I would stay."

Djourou joined Arsenal as an academy candidate in 2002.