MATHIEU DEBUCHY IS hoping to negotiate a move away from Arsenal in January after revealing his relationship with Arsene Wenger does not extend beyond a morning “hello”.
The former France right-back has seen his career tail off following his move from Newcastle United in 2014, due to a series of injuries and the emergence of Hector Bellerin, who is now the undisputed first-choice in Debuchy’s preferred right-back position.
The 31-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Bordeaux and the breakdown in communication with Wenger means he is again looking for a way out.
He told L’Equipe: “Before my loan to Bordeaux, I was often in his office. But now, I have not felt the need to. I do not want to.
We greet each other, we say hello, nothing more.”
Relations between the pair reached a low 12 months ago when Wenger vetoed a surprise bid from Manchester United to take Debuchy to Old Trafford.
“I wasn’t playing a lot, it was United, there’s nothing else to say,” he added.
“For me, it was unexpected, but the coach said no.
It’s something I did not appreciate. He wasn’t using me, so I didn’t see his interest in doing that.”
Marseille have been heavily linked with taking Debuchy back to Ligue 1.
“Honestly, I do not know where that is [his next club],” he said. “I said to my agents not to come to me unless they have something concrete.
Aside from that, Marseille are still Marseille. Even if the results have been a little difficult, they remain one of the biggest clubs in Ligue 1. As well, there is a nice project that is in the process of being put in place with a manager who I know well [Rudi Garcia].
“I enjoyed my time at Bordeaux enormously. You have to see what presents itself. I have a family, four children, that comes into consideration. And that is why, for example, I have not followed up some contacts in Turkey.
I would prefer a straight transfer but I am only an employee. If the club says no to me, what can I do?
“I had opportunities at the end of the summer. Unfortunately, the club did not want to release me. I did a good preparation but, from the first match, I was not in the squad.
“I want a new challenge. I miss not having that excitement, the adrenaline.”
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RIP F1
@Glenn k ☘☘: it’s just a precession at this stage. Monaco might throw up an upset if we’re lucky. Wouldn’t bet against max snatching a win there.
@Alan Lynch: RIP F1