Arsenal right-back looking for regular football ahead of Euros
Bordeaux are finalising the loan signing of Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy for the remainder of the season.
The 30-year-old is to head back to his native France to get some regular first-team football ahead of the European Championships to be held in his homeland this summer.
Aston Villa and Sunderland were interested in taking out-of-favour right-back on loan to assist in their fights against relegation, but the Gunner’s £1 million loan fee demands proved a stumbling block.
Meanwhile, Manchester United were a surprise suitor for the Frenchman, but understandably Arsenal did not want to loan their player to a major rival.
Six months wasted
Debuchy insists he was given assurances from boss Arsene Wenger in the summer about first team opportunities, but has proved to be second choice to Hector Bellerin.
“Clearly I have lost six months,” Debuchy said.
“I would have preferred to have left last summer but the coach told me I would have my chance. It was not the case.
“This summer I had a good pre-season and I was ready to begin the season as a starter but the coach decided otherwise.”
The loan deal being agreed with the Ligue 1 outfit will not include in the option to buy the former Newcastle United right-back. But Debuchy was keen to remain in the Premier League.
