Wenger plays down Drogba speculation

LONDON - Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal are not about to offer Didier Drogba a route back to the Premier League.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

LONDON - Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal are not about to offer Didier Drogba a route back to the Premier League.Drogba left Chelsea for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua during the summer, but has since been linked with a number of English and European clubs. The 34-year-old Ivorian has reportedly been at the centre of a power struggle in Shanghai, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid touted as possible destinations should he depart.However, if Drogba agreed to cancel his contract it is highly unlikely FIFA would sanction a move to another club as a player must be a free agent when the transfer window closes to qualify for a free transfer before January. The only exception is when a club goes out of business. Last March, Bolton signed Gregg Wylde from Rangers but as he agreed to rip up his deal with the beleaguered Scottish club, FIFA blocked him from playing for the Trotters until the start of this season.Wenger maintains the Gunners are not preparing to go back into the market for Drogba, who gave their defence so much trouble during his eight years at Stamford Bridge."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,” Wenger said.