Arsenal transfer news: Mathieu Debuchy wants to leave Arsenal as Arsene Wenger admits move is possible

The 30-year-old French international right-back has fallen behind Hector Bellerin in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium

Mark Critchley
Thursday 31 December 2015 11:26 GMT
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Mathieu Debuchy has asked to leave Arsenal after speaking with manager Arsene Wenger, according to reports.

While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Wenger admitted that an exit from the Emirates Stadium could be on the cards for the right-back, as rumours circulate suggesting that he is unhappy at a lack of first-team opportunities.

The 30-year-old lost his starting place to youngster Hector Bellerin in the second half of last season and is reportedly concerned that a lack of regular playing time could lead to his omission from France’s Euro 2016 squad.

According to the Daily Mail, Debuchy has now informed his manager of his desire to leave in the forthcoming January transfer window. Roma and Olympique Lyonnais rumoured to be interested in signing the defender.

The French international, an £11million signing from Newcastle United in 2014, has only made seven appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this season, last appearing in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur in early November.

“It's not impossible Debuchy will leave,” Wenger said on Wednesday, prior to his side’s trip to play the right back’s former club this weekend. “I happy for him to stay, but we'll see.”

What to expect from Arsenal this transfer window

The 66-year-old Frenchman also gave the news many of his club’s supporters will want to hear by suggesting that he will be looking to do business in the upcoming window.

The signing of Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny, whose cost will be in the region of £5million, is believed to be on the verge of completion, and Wenger is keen to do more business still.

"I'm already busy and I said already one month ago we are a bit short to deal with all the competitions we face, especially in midfield,” he confirmed. “We will be busy, yes."

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