Arsenal are reportedly set to complete a deal that will see Mathieu Debuchy leave the club on a loan basis, with possible option to buy later this season.
The Gunners defender has had his time cut short since moving to the club back in 2014, and now both Roma and Aston Villa are standing out as potential suitors.
It seems as if Arsene Wenger is willing to let the French international escape the frustration he’s suffering on the bench and grab some regular playing time.
And therefore a host of potential clubs have come knocking at the Emirates for the 30-year-old’s services following just a handful of starts so far this campaign.
It’s reported by several media outlets that Roma are leading the chase for the full-back, with a rumoured £1million loan sum an an option to buy at the end of his move.
That part of the move however seems to be stalling things, with Roma’s sporting director Walter Sabatini unwilling to pay £8million should they want to make the move permanent.
Whether or not they do choose to add that clause into the contract, Sabatini is eager to get the Frenchman on board having dropped to fifth in Serie A.
The Italian outfit have won just once in their last six league games, and Debuchy’s experience will be a big step in cementing a well organised defensive line.
The switch to Italy would also mean linking up with the on-loan Wojciech Szczesny.
However, also on the chase for reinforcements is Remi Garde’s Aston Villa, who still sit bottom of the Premier League having won just one league game so far this season.
Things with the Midlands club look a lot simpler however, with Garde willing to take Debuchy on loan to help out the club he used to play at.
I spoke to Arsene about Debuchy a few days ago. It’s too early to say if he’ll sign or not.
With the likelihood of Villa getting relegated to the Championship, there is a severe reluctance to make the deal permanent, although Debuchy is guaranteed to be first on the team sheet.
The good news for Debuchy is exactly that if he can shine in a club that is facing tough games week in, week out, then he’s bound to get a look-in for the France squad.
It’s a deal that will satisfy both parties, and with Calum Chambers on the back-up list we’ll have cover for Hector Bellerin should he pick up an injury.
Arsenal are likely to wait until after the FA Cup game vs. Sunderland before sanctioning the deal, as they are currently short of midfield options, and playing Debuchy in this tie would allow for Chambers to play in midfield and Bellerin to be rested.
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