No buyer for Mathieu Debuchy?
Arsenal’s forgotten man Mathieu Debuchy made an appearance for the Gunners in their opening pre-season match against Lens on Friday, with the Frenchman playing the first half before being withdrawn. It was a shock to see his name in the line up given that it has been suggested he will be exiting the Emirates this summer, so have Arsenal been unable to find a buyer?
Arsenal and French international Mathieu Debuchy was bought from Newcastle United in 2014 as a replacement for the outgoing Bacary Sagna. Only a short period into the campaign however, Debuchy was ruled out with injury and Hector Bellerin stood up to take his place by storm. Bellerin hasn’t put a foot wrong since and Debuchy was therefore left frustrated on the sidelines. A lack of action for the Frenchman last year saw him secure a loan away from Arsenal, joining up with Ligue One side Bordeaux, before returning to Arsenal this summer.
It was common knowledge that the 30 year old was back in pre-season training with Arsenal, but it wasn’t expected for him to be a part of any friendly matches, given that it was highly anticipated he would be leaving The Gunners before the season starts. Now it seems however that he could be a part of Arsene Wenger’s plans for the upcoming season and although there’s little chance Debuchy will displace Bellerin, perhaps Wenger would prefer to keep Debuchy and send Jenkinson out on loan again?
There has been no real reports surrounding Debuchy in the media in regards any potential buyers for the Frenchman, however Debuchy has outwardly spoken that he has considered if his future still lies with Arsenal. Suggesting that he would move on from the Emirates if given the opportunity, I think Arsenal should look to sell up. Surely there must be some club willing to take Debuchy this summer, unless Wenger doesn’t want to get rid of him, but in my opinion it seems much more practical to keep a younger and arguably more talented Carl Jenkinson, that it does to keep an ageing, out of form Mathieu Debuchy.
Debuchy did seem relatively impressive in the first half against Lens, making a lot of forward runs as well as tough tackles at the back, however it’s not enough to convince me that he has a future at the club.
Should Arsenal sell Debuchy this summer or do you think the Frenchman is in Le Prof’s plans for the season?
AH