According to reports, Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy has held talks with both Sunderland and Aston Villa about a potential move to either Premier League struggler.
The Mirror have reported that the defender has been informed that he can leave the club in January, and the Gunners have received offers from both Villa and the Black Cats for the international’s services.
The tabloid identify Sunderland as the favourites to sign the Frenchman, who already has experience of football in the North East having represented the Stadium of Light giants’ fierce rivals Newcastle United in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons
While Remi Garde is understood to be keen to use the ‘French connection’ to tempt Debuchy to Villa Park, according to the tabloid, an earlier report from the Daily Mail suggested that the Francophone manager had grown frustrated with the defender’s dithering about signing on with the Villains.
The full-back will likely be keen for full-team football ahead of the European Championships on home soil this summer, with France coach Didier Deschamps able to call upon a plethora of options for Debuchy’s position.
The 30-year-old has managed only two appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League so far this season, but would likely be well placed to enjoy more first-team football at either Villa or Sunderland.
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