In full swing of this rumour-fuelled January transfer window, Arsenal have been making multiple transfer enquires. They have already brought in new Egyptian defensive-midfielder Mohamed Elneny; a wise purchase given Francis Coquelin’s absence and the need for physicality in midfield. Yet another transfer saga is unfolding at Arsenal: the future of Mathieu Debuchy. Almost a forgotten man at Arsenal thanks to Hector Bellerin’s excellent form at right back, the Frenchman has confirmed to L’Équipe he wants to leave and is open to offers. Just a shame no one really cares and his departure will be to no fanfare.
At the time, Debuchy’s transfer made a lot of sense. Arsenal had just lost their valuable right-back Bacary Sagna to Manchester City and needed a replacement; someone capable in strong tackling, can win aerial duels, and attack as well as Sagna, but also someone who can buy into Arsenal’s philosophy and style of play. £12M for a French international and experienced Premier League right-back wasn’t an excessive amount for a side looking to build on the previous season’s FA Cup success. The optimism of his signing slowly faded with questionable performances and injury setbacks, but optimism turned into obscurity as a young Hector Bellerin stepped up to the plate. From that moment on, Debuchy never had a look in. Fast forward to January 2016 and Arsenal have two young right backs in Calum Chambers and Hector Bellerin ahead of Debuchy in the pecking order, with Carl Jenkinson returning on loan from West Ham.
With young talent at right back, the 30 year old defender is now surplus to requirements and, to no real surprise, wants to leave. His departure is no real loss to Arsenal in the same way a billionaire loses a £10 note in a posh wine bar on a night out. Whilst all three players are not at their respective peak playing standards, Debuchy offers less in the form of future potential and long-term gains in comparison to his rivals. Furthermore, Bellerin’s pace, attacking threat and range of skill; Chambers’ positional awareness and defensive contribution, and Jenkinson’s composure and patience in defence mean Arsenal have three suitable full-backs already. The loss of Debuchy isn’t an important argument to discuss but the real debate here is how can Arsene Wenger keep three promising right-backs at the club without losing one. Nevertheless this is for another time.
An significant issue with Debuchy is his attitude. When a professional footballer loses his place in the first team, he must respond by working hard in training, performing well in reserve games and cup fixtures to impress the manager, and force him to change his mind. Instead of doing this, Debuchy has given up, announced he wants to leave and bad-mouthed Arsene Wenger in the process. His frustration at lack of game time is understandable considering he wants to play at this summer’s Euros in France but whinging and complaining will not help his case or reputation. In a side that’s chasing the League and FA Cup double, it’s not the acceptable conduct to have within the squad; you need winners, confidence and everyone in it together, with no players souring the positive mood. Debuchy’s mindset of giving up when under pressure shows that he’s better off leaving.
In a team full of young talent and strength in depth, Debuchy feels like a third wheel on a date. He isn’t necessarily required unless there’s an injury crisis in defence, his team mates at right-back are showing no signs of poor form and offer a lot more in games in comparison. Debuchy’s loss is the gain of Bellerin, Chambers and Jenkinson as each other compete to be Arsenal’s first choice left-back and it’s best he quietly leaves before ruining his repetition and career.
The only way to sign off is to say: thanks for the memories.
