Aston Villa are closing in on a loan move for Mathieu Debuchy until the end of the season after agreeing to a clause allowing Arsenal to recall the defender should manager Arsene Wenger deem it necessary.
The 30-year-old has started just two Premier League games this season and is desperate for first-team football in a bid to secure a spot in France’s squad for Euro 2016, which will be staged in his home country this summer.
The Gunners would prefer to keep Debuchy as cover but Wenger’s relationship with Villa boss Remi Garde - who was Wenger’s first signing after becoming Arsenal manager in September 1996 - has played a key role in the right-back’s proposed move to the Midlands.
Garde needs reinforcements as Villa attempt to avoid relegation but Arsenal have no other specialist right-back in their squad should Hector Bellerin suffer an injury.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: Player ratings
Calum Chambers could deputise but Debuchy is a more natural fit and Standard Sport understands any agreement with Villa will include the option to bring Debuchy back to Emirates Stadium if the need arises.
Garde is willing to accept the clause if it is the price to secure a player of Debuchy’s experience and has guaranteed him a starting spot at Villa Park.
The only sticking point is that the two clubs are yet to agree a loan fee, which would be paid incrementally depending on the length of Debuchy’s stay at the club. Bayer Leverkusen are among a number of clubs monitoring the situation should the deal suddenly collapse.
Debuchy had initially been hopeful of joining Roma but manager Rudi Garcia was sacked nearly two weeks ago and the Italian club have since revised their transfer plans. Garcia and Debuchy enjoyed a successful working relationship together at Lille but the player has now been forced to pursue other options.
Read More
MORE ABOUT