Mathieu Debuchy admits he is desperate to leave Arsenal this month, but is unsure about moving to Premier League strugglers Aston Villa on loan.
The France international, who has 27 caps for his country, joined the Gunners from Newcastle United in the summer of 2014 for a fee in the region of £12million. His time in the capital has been interrupted by injury, and he has since fallen behind young Hector Bellerin in the pecking order and he has made just two league appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side this term.
Villa boss Remi Garde revealed earlier this month that he had been in touch with the Emirates Stadium club about taking the fullback on loan, and had even discussed the possibility with the player. However, whilst Debuchy admits he is eager to leave Arsenal this month, he also confesses he has doubts over heading to the Midlands club who look destined for relegation.
“It’s true that there are clubs looking to sign me and right now I’m assessing my options,” he told L’Equipe. “Whatever happens, I want to leave, even on loan. I can’t stay at Arsenal. Aston Villa are in great difficulty and that’s why I’m taking time before making a decision. They’re a big club and I’m not ruling out the possibility. I have also talked to Remi Garde over the phone.”
Villa’s unlikely bid to avoid relegation was given a boost in midweek when they beat Crystal Palace courtesy of a Joleon Lescott goal. But they were unable to fully capitalise on this mini-revival at the weekend, when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to table-topping Leicester City, with the hosts rescuing a share of the spoils thanks to substitute Rudi Gestede.
