8:18AM BST 14 Sep 2012
After helping
However, following an apparent power struggle behind the scenes at the Chinese
Super League club, it had been reported Drogba was looking for a way out and
could even be released from his deal, said to be worth in excess of £200,000
a week - with
Those suggestions, however, have since been played down by the striker's UK management company.
"At the moment no. In my opinion he is not free. He has just left England," said the Arsenal manager.
"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."
Arsenal host Southampton on Saturday, and will have goalkeeper Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny fit again following a rib injury.
Winger Theo Walcott will be assessed after missing England's game against Ukraine with a virus, while midfielder Abou Diaby is rated as 50/50 after picking up a minor knee problem while on international duty with France and may be rested ahead of next week's start of the Champions League campaign in Montpellier.
Midfielder Jack Wilshere also continues his rehabilitation from an ankle problem which sidelined him all last season.
"Jack is making quick progress now," Wenger said. "He will join in with full training soon."
