Roma keen on Arsenal defender?

The Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy has been linked with a transfer away this summer, but he is yet to have seen any movement from other clubs who may want to sign him.

Debuchy is currently out of favour at Arsenal, due to Hector Bellerin being very much the in form hotshot of the side and the Spaniard shows no signs of giving up his place. Debuchy was infuriated by Arsene Wenger’s actions last season, to not give the Frenchman a chance to re-establish himself in the team, following on from the injury that had given Bellerin the chance in the first place. With such frustration, Debuchy demanded a move away at least on loan in January, because he was desperate to make the Euro 2016 French national squad, of which he did not.

Now however Debuchy has returned to the Gunners and has actually been relatively impressive during pre-season and it seems as if he may have shown Arsene Wenger some reason why he should stay on the books at the Emirates, at least until Carl Jenkinson returns from injury.

Debuchy has today however been linked by Il Tempo with a move to Italian side AS ROMA, although it’s unknown whether such move would be on a permanent or loan basis. Debuchy had previously been in contact with Bordeaux, where he spent last season on loan, as well as Turkish side Galatasaray. Both clubs however don’t seem to have followed up their reported interest.

I think Debuchy will remain at Arsenal for the time being in case Bellerin picks up an injury or suspension. But when Jenkinson returns from injury, I fully expect Wenger to put the French fullback up for sale. At 31 years old, Debuchy’s market price will be rapidly dropping, so if Arsenal want to recoup at least some of the money they paid Newcastle for the player in 2014, they will have to look at shipping him out, sooner rather than later.

By AH