Remi Garde admits he wants to take compatriot Mathieu Debuchy from his former club Arsenal, as he looks to improve his Aston Villa side.
Although there are still 18 matches remaining in the Premier League season, it already appears that Villa require a minor miracle to retain their place amongst the elite. The Midlands giants haven’t won since the opening day 1-0 success at Bournemouth, and they are rooted to the foot of the table by seven points and are a further four adrift of the safety positions.
So Garde, who replaced the sacked Tim Sherwood in early November, may find it difficult attracting players during the winter window, particularly on permanent deals. His best option may be to offer out-of-favour players a move to Villa for regular first team football, and this is something he hopes to be able to provide to France international Debuchy in the coming months.
Speaking about his January plans Garde, who played under Arsene Wenger during a short spell with Arsenal from 1996 to 1999, said: “I had a conversation with Arsene a few days ago about some of the players and Mathieu Debuchy was among these players. It’s too early and it won’t help me or anyone to go forward in this style to make too many more comments.”
Debuchy joined the Gunners from Newcastle United in the summer of 2014 for £12million, but has endured a disappointing spell in the capital which has been interrupted by a number of injury problems. He has played just seven times in the Premier League this season, having fallen behind young Spaniard Hector Bellerin in the pecking order for a starting place.
Meanwhile, Villa are also said to be interested in Loic Remy. The former Queens Park Rangers striker has struggled to establish himself at Chelsea, but the lack of attacking options available to Guus Hiddink will likely prevent a loan exit. Tiago Ilori, who joined the Midlands club on loan in the summer, will return to Liverpool after failing to impress.
