Arsenal defender Johan Djourou joins Hamburg on loan

Johan Djourou

Switzerland international Johan Djourou has joined German club Hamburg on a season-long loan from Arsenal with the option to make the deal permanent.

The defender made two first-team appearances for the Gunners last season and returns to the Bundesliga following a six-month spell on loan at Hannover.

Djourou, 26, moved to London from Swiss side Etoile Carouge in 2003.

Arsenal have also let versatile midfielder Francis Coquelin, 22, join Freiburg on loan for 12 months.

France Under-21 international Coquelin, who spent the 2010-11 campaign on loan at French club Lorient, made 22 appearances last season.

Manager Arsene Wenger signed him from Laval as a 17-year-old in 2008 and handed the youngster a long-term contract in January 2012.

Meanwhile, Djourou says a desire to play regular first-team football was the motivation for his move.

"Hamburg is a big club with great history, lots of quality and amazing fans. I am convinced that this move is the right one to further my career," Djourou told Hamburg's website.

"I could have earned a lot more money in London but that was not the main thing. I want to play as often as possible and I think I can do that in Hamburg."