Ljungberg has dropped down the Gunners pecking order as Wenger’s midfield options have increased, but the Frenchman believes the 29-year-old’s thrusts from midfield still represent a valuable weapon for his squad.

“Freddie will stay here,” said Wenger. “I made a statement on our website that Freddie is and will be part of our squad. He knows that and I have clarified that with him this week.”

Wenger added: “You know there is competition here for every position and when you see vibes coming out of the newspapers you wonder ‘is that being provoked by the club where I am, is it by my agent, is it provoked by the club who wants to buy me?’

“I needed to have a clear chat with him to see how he feels, whether he accepts competition for places. He does and he is ready for that.

“It has been frustrating for him because of injuries but we are a club who can afford that. We have a number of players but when Freddie is fit he is a winner, he is a big-game player.

“He still has a big part to play here. I think he gives us something that no one else does, he makes runs from midfield behind the defenders while the other players come to the ball. It is an interesting asset to have in your team.”