Arsenal fans have wondered all summer about whether defender Mathieu Debuchy will remain in North London for the upcoming season, or if whether the Frenchman will play his trade elsewhere. He has very much fallen out of favour at Arsenal and is unlikely to recover the first team spot at right back over the ever impressive Hector Bellerin, so with that in mind a loan move or a sale is highly anticipated.
Debuchy spent the second half of last season out on loan in his home nation of France with Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. Bordeaux were reportedly keen on agreeing another deal with Arsenal that would see the Frenchman move on a permaent basis this season, however the transfer developments on that potential deal have since gone quiet. After featuring in Arsenal’s pre-season friendlies so far in preparation of the upcoming season, it did suggest that perhaps Arsene Wenger was considering keeping Debuchy as backup to Hector Bellerin, however the latest developments surrounding the 31 year old would now seem to confirm that his Arsenal career is all but over.
Turkish journalist Gokmen Ozdemir has claimed that an agreement has been put in place between both parties, in a move that will see Debuchy spend the season with Galatasaray. Galatasaray are however yet to agree terms with the player himself. Debuchy has three years left on his contract and so any loan move that occurs will have to include a right to buy option at the end of the contract, otherwise we could see Debuchy return to the same problem again next summer. At 31 years old, it would be the perfect time to sell the Frenchman, before his value truly drops. It’s not anticipated that any potential sale of Debuchy would recover anywhere near the amount Arsenal paid Newcastle for the player just two years ago, but with Bellerin and Jenkinson proving to be better, Wenger will probably just be keen on getting the defender off Arsenal’s books.
Galatasaray may only be interested in a season long loan move at the moment, but perhaps if Debuchy impresses, then the Turkish side may want to sign the Gunner on a permanent basis.
By AH