Arsene Wenger is not planning a move to bring striker Didier Drogba to Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he has no intention of trying to lure Didier Drogba back to England from China.

Drogba left Chelsea for Shanghai Shenhua on a lucrative free transfer in the summer after helping the Blues win the UEFA Champions League in dramatic style at the end of last season.

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 Liverpool and Real Madrid also possible destinations.

Those suggestions, however, have since been played down by the striker's UK management company.

Drogba has also stressed that he remains committed to Shanghai, and Wenger is not really sure what the situation is.

Arsenal previously tracked the Ivory Coast international when he was at Le Mans and Guingamp.

Wenger, though, claims the Gunners are not preparing to go back into the market for the former Marseille frontman, who gave their defence so much trouble during his eight years at Chelsea.

"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."