Arsenal full back Mathieu Debuchy says he is still actively looking for another club despite failing to secure a move away from the Emirates in the summer transfer window.
A move to Nice collapsed, despite Debuchy having a medical at the Ligue One club, after they opted to sign Lyon’s Christophe Jallet instead. The 32 year old also revealed to L’Equipe (quotes via the Mirror) that a move to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion was a possibility but that also failed to materialise, despite the Gunners being willing to give the player away on a free transfer:
“I don’t know what will happen because this summer the coach (Arsene Wenger) would have let me leave without a transfer fee. Brighton also enquired in the last few days of the transfer window. But that came to nothing.”
Searching for answers as to why he hasn’t found a club, the Frenchman says he believes his injury record and his wages may have played a part, but he says he is willing to take a pay cut in order to get first team football elsewhere:
“I cannot predict the future. Some clubs are maybe scared that I haven’t played for a while (since November 27 2016). Maybe my salary is also a problem although I am ready to make an effort on that. I am going to give my best and we will see. I am taking the initiative.”
The right back is not in Wenger’s plans this season, but his contract at the club runs until 2019, and it could be the case that the former France international will remain at the club for a while longer.
