Ligue 1 side Bordeaux have reportedly opened negotiations with Arsenal over the transfer of French right-back Mathieu Debuchy, according to Le Parisien.
30-year old Debuchy spent the last 6 months on loan with Bordeaux, where he was able to shine in patches, but was blighted by slight injury troubles. It is claimed that Bordeaux prefer to sign Debuchy on another loan deal but would be open to a permanent move if Arsenal are willing to sell.
On the other hand, recently promoted club Hull City could turn to the right-back as injury problems continue to mount for them. The Daily Mail has reported that the 30-year-old is catching the eye of the tigers, along with Bruce’s former club Sunderland.
The French international spent the final months of last season on loan with Bordeaux, but could remain in the Premier League should Hull move for him. Injuries to Alex Bruce, who faces a lengthy lay-off after coming under the knife due to an Achilles problem, as well as a worrisome situation with Moses Odubajo, who suffered a suspected dislocated kneecap in a goalless friendly draw with Grimsby Town on Friday, have prompted this search.
Debuchy has three years left on his contract at Arsenal i.e. until 2019 but has played just 12 Premier League games for the club since joining from Newcastle United in July 2014 for £12m. The Frenchman was viewed as a replacement for fellow Frenchman Bacary Sagna who joined Manchester City after the latter’s contract with the Gunners expired.
While Debuchy enjoyed a positive start to life at the Emirates Stadium, a host of injury problems meant that the right-back was unable to earn regular first-team football. In addition, the rapid emergence of the talented 20-year old Spanish right-back Hector Bellerin meant that the he would struggle for minutes on the pitch even following his return from injury.
Last season Debuchy started only in 6 games for Arsenal FC (2 each in the PL, UEFA CL, and FA cup) and started an additional game from the bench. It is not surprising that so many reports claim that he is likely to leave, considering he must be now looking for more game time.
It is believed that Debuchy, who didn’t make Didier Deschamps’ Euro 2016 squad due to a Hamstring injury picked up in May this year, favors a return to Bordeaux. The player has previously cited his concern over a lack of playing time at Arsenal in January, and revealed France could be his next destination.
The Daily Star has reported that this is what the player had to say with regard to his future:
“A future at Arsenal? It’s difficult because there’s a young guy who’s 20 in my position who is playing good matches.
“My future could be in France.”
There was a lot of hope and in fact a sense of relief, when Debuchy came on as Sagna left. However, in the one and a half seasons he has spent with Arsenal, he has not been as effective both due to his injuries and the emergence of Bellerin. As a fan , I genuinely feel for him because when he moved to Arsenal from Newcastle everyone expected him to perform exceptionally.
Unfortunately, he has had terrible luck with injuries. In case he moves from Arsenal let us wish that he stays injury free and excels in his career.
