Arsene Wenger plays down Didier Drogba rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down speculation linking the club with a move for Didier Drogba.

The former Chelsea striker is expected to leave Shanghai Shenhua in January following a reported dispute with the Chinese club's hierarchy.

When asked if he was considering a move for the 34-year-old, Wenger told reporters: "At the moment no. In my opinion he is not free. He has just left England. I don't know about the situation because he came out with a completely different statement.

"You hear he might go to Real Madrid - but then he says 'I am staying in China'. Is it just because he wants to be paid off? I don't know."

Drogba scored over 150 goals during eight years at Chelsea before he completed a move to Shanghai over the summer.