Mathieu Debuchy plans transfer talks with Arsene Wenger as Arsenal backup targets first-team football

On the peripheries: Debuchy has struggled with injuries and form since his move to Arsenal
James Benge8 December 2015

Mathieu Debuchy will hold talks with Arsene Wenger in the coming weeks as he considers departing the Emirates in search of first-team football.

The emergence of Hector Bellerin over the past year has seen Debuchy, whose time at Arsenal has been severely disrupted with injuries, drop out of first-team contention. The 30-year-old has not played since the North London derby and has made just two league appearances this season.

With next summer’s European Championships in France fast approaching Debuchy is eager to re-establish himself in Didier Deschamps’ plans for a tournament in which the hosts are among the favourites to emerge victorious.

And the full-back admitted that he will ask Wenger if he can leave Arsenal if he is not assured of first-team opportunities.

"At the moment, I need game time," Debuchy told RMC. "The past two games, I haven't been included in the [France] squad.

"Everything is clear. I need game time and that's why I'll have to discuss it with the coach soon. We'll see what offers there are between now and [January] -- if there are any."

Debuchy admitted he would consider staying in the Premier League, praising compatriot Yohan Cabaye for establishing himself in the national team after moving from Paris Saint-Germain to Crystal Palace.

Arsenal's midfield targets for January

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Asked whether he would choose a move in England he said: "I love England and the league so yes, of course.

"After that, if I have other offers ... return to France? Why not? We'll see."

Debuchy has become the established backup for Bellerin in recent months, stepping in on the two occasions the 20-year-old has been absent with injuries. The former Newcastle defender did not particularly impress on either occasion, showing the lack of sharpness to be expected from a player in and out of the side.

Having held talks over his future in the summer Debuchy expects Wenger to stand by his word and consider offers for the right-back.

"We'll discuss it together calmly. We had a discussion in the summer and he told me that if I wasn't happy with my game time we'd sit down and talk about it in December.

"It's December now so we'll see."

"My goal is to play again very soon and to string together some matches so that I can at the Euros."

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