Mathieu Debuchy’s ill-fated spell at Arsenal could well be coming to an end with reports coming in that the French right-back has asked Arsene Wenger for a transfer away from the Premier League club.
Debuchy, who was signed amidst a lot of fanfare from Newcastle, has seen his time at the London club littered with injuries, but now faces the prospect of being lower in the pecking order thanks to the form of Hector Bellerin.
The 30-year-old defender might be on his way out of the club, but Arsenal still need cover in the position and Arsene would know that with Arsenal having a great opportunity at winning the title, cover for this position could also be essential.
With the transfer window opening, here are a few replacements that could do the job in place of Debuchy.
Sam Byram
Byram has been one of Leeds’ best players and the 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League, more so because he would out of contract come the end of this season and talks with the Championship club have stalled.
Byram is one of the brightest prospects when it comes to English players and is seen to be in a similar vein to Gareth Bale and is exceptional both in attack and defense. Sam also has more than 139 appearances for Leeds in the Championship and he could well provide Arsenal with a lot of support as the right-back for years to come.
Carl Jenkinson
The 23-year-old has been on loan at West Ham United for the past two seasons and has excelled both under Slaven Bilic and Sam Allardyce as well. Jenkinson’s growth had stalled at the Emirates with many players ahead of him in the pecking order, but he could well be making a return in January if Debuchy leaves.
Jenkinson has impressed almost everyone at West Ham and has established himself as the number one right-back at the club. He would also provide Bellerin with great competition for the slot, although he isn’t as Pacey the Spanish defender. He wouldn’t cost Arsenal a lot either and he knows the team pretty well, so it actually would be a great choice for the Gunners and Arsene.
Daryl Janmaat
With Newcastle struggling to stay up and out of the relegation dogfight, it could well lead to a few players leaving the club if the offer is right. Daryl Janmaat has been one of the standout players for the Toons but even he wouldn’t be relishing a relegation scrap when he could be winning a league title, probably, with a team.
Janmaat is only 26 at the moment and although he might cost a huge amount to get him in January, this deal would be a stellar one for Arsenal. The defender can play in a range of positions which would be something that Arsenal could do with and his ability on the ball isn’t bad either.
Debuchy moving away wouldn’t be the end of the road for the French star, sometimes things just don’t work out, but Arsenal should be prepared to deal with the departure and make a signing to ensure they have enough cover for the right-back spot.