Some of the Arsenal fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern had forgotten that this defender was still with the Gunners…
Mathieu Debuchy has had a rough time of it at Arsenal since joining the club in 2014.
He impressed during his first few weeks with the Gunners, cementing his place on the right-hand side of the defence – and the Arsenal faithful here in the Tavern were boldly claiming that he was the signing of the summer.
However, a long-term knee injury in September of the same year would keep him out for much of the season – and in his absence, Hector Bellerin came in and excelled on the right-hand side.
With no first team role in sight, Debuchy spent the second half of the 2015-16 season on loan in France with Bordaeux – and now it looks like he could make a permanent move away from the club.
According to the Mirror, La Liga outfit Espanyol are keen on the defender – and could be set to launch a deadline-day move.
They add that both Arsenal and Debuchy himself are keen on a deal, and our bar staff think that that could prove crucial in any forthcoming deal for the French defender.
They do not specify if the move will be a short-term or permanent move, but our landlord thinks that a last-minute loan deal is the most likely outcome – especially given Debuchy’s lack of game-time in recent months.
Significantly, Debuchy has been suffering with a calf injury so far this summer, and whilst the Mirror do suggest that it could slow proceedings somewhat – our landlord doesn’t think it will be a deal breaker.
The majority of the punters here in the Football Transfer Tavern have forgotten how good Debuchy is, so let us provide you with a quick reminder…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx1Azl45VfE
Injuries have definitely halted his career somewhat – but there is no denying how good Debuchy is when he’s on his game.
Espanyol’s reported interest comes at a difficult time for the Arsenal faithful here in the Football Transfer Tavern. Both Gabriel and Mertesacker are out with long-term injuries, and whilst the signing of Shkodran Mustafi has added a bit of manpower to the Arsenal back line – they are still short for defensive depth.
However, with no game time in sight for Debuchy – our landlord thinks that a move definitely makes sense…
Arsenal fans – how would you feel about a Debuchy departure? Does that leave you short at the back?
