He has featured in just 10 of Arsenal’s 22 Barclays Premiership games this term, and competition from the likes of Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky mean a place in the starting XI is no longer guaranteed.

The Arsenal manager has rejected reports of a move away from the Emirates Stadium, with West Ham said to be keeping tabs on his availability.

Wenger admits he had talks with Ljungberg, whom he signed from Halmstads for £3m (€4.5m) in September 1998, to reassure him there was still a place for him with the Gunners.

“Freddie will stay. He has two more years to go,” said the Arsenal manager.

“Freddie is part of our of our squad and will be. He knows that.

“I have clarified it with him and said ’listen, you stay and that is it’. I have spoken to him personally.

“He was a bit uncertain about his future, of course, because there is now a big competition here for every position and you know that when you see vibes coming, in papers, that clubs want you, you wonder whether it has been provoked by the club where I am, or by my agent or the club who wants to buy me.

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

“He has been frustrated through injuries. He has a part to play in the future of Arsenal.”

Wenger continued: “Freddie has recently had injuries – but we are a club who can afford that because we have a number of players.

“He is a big-game player and if he is fit he is a winner. Freddie gives you something, he has typical aspects of his game which nobody else has, he makes runs from midfield, behind the defenders and the other players are more who come to the ball.

“It is an interesting asset to have in your team.”

Wenger insists “we do not want to sign anybody” during the transfer window. However, the Frenchman accepts with competition for places intensifying after the return from injury of key men, some may have to be let go.

Veteran defender Lauren is out of contract this season, and looks set to move on, with Upton Park a likely destination.

The future of hungry young players like Jeremie Aliadiere, Arturo Lupoli and Sebastian Larsson all require sorting, while German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is another whose current deal is about to expire and as yet has not agreed new terms.

The Gunners are 15 points off the pace and will seek to consolidate their place in the top four against Blackburn.

A youthful side thumped Liverpool 6-3 at Anfield in the Carling Cup earlier this week, while Rovers were hit for six on December 23 – but have since won four straight matches.

Wenger said: “I feel the first result against Blackburn was a little bit flattering because it was late goals at the end which made the difference. It was a difficult game.

“Blackburn have responded very well since then. They won at Everton in the FA Cup and also beat Liverpool, so it will be a big challenge.”