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.
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.